Sunday, February 1, 2009

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis

By Andrew John

There are three main reasons of osteoarthritis. The first is a genetic predisposition - if someone from your family has it, you are at greater risk of having it yourself. However, two other reasons are much more common: overweight and a long-term stress on some particular joint.

Osteoarthritis is responsible for reduced mobility of the joints of over twenty-one million Americans. It usually affects women above 45 years old, but it can happen also to men. In case of people below the age of 45, osteoarthritis attacks men more often than women.

Fortunately, there are loads of things you may do stave off the onset of the disease. First and foremost, you have to keep yourself at top condition. Strong muscles will reduce the rate the cartilage wears off and reducing one's weight means that there will be even less stress for the joints. Dieting, exercising and consulting with your doctor regularly is generally all you need to prevent arthritis. Just make sure you're not overdoing it. Too strict diet may cause your organism to weaken and actually cause muscle loss and overexerting yourself may result in damaging your joints rather than helping them. What is also important, remember to protect your joints while exercising. Wrist guards will for example, greatly reduce the risk of wrist injuries while exercising. Ask a doctor if your diet and exercises routine are safe before you start them!

Another important thing is assuring that the diet contains enough Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the soreness of the joints. Renowned for their anti-inflammatory effects, Omega-3 fatty acids are must-be in the diet of every osteoarthritis' victim. The acids are commonly found in salmon and herring, but as a normal American diet does not contain enough of those fish, most doctors encourage their patients to take Omega Daily of other food supplements which provide enough Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the severity of osteoarthritis.

Remember that osteoarthritis can cause only mild problems - but only in case you detect it early and start the treatment soon after. If you feel pain the joint(s) and they can't move as easily as they used to be, contact your doctor ASAP. - 15995

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