Preventing Arthritis

Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with arthritis, though many people are unaware that arthritis is not, in fact, a single disease.  Arthritis is a word used to define a condition in which the joints become painful, inflamed and stiff. There are a number of factors that cause arthritis, and because of this, it cannot always be prevented entirely.  While there’s no way to prevent arthritis for certain, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it and to help offset the occurrence of certain forms of arthritis. At Space Coast Orthopedics you can work with experts like Dr. Luc Teurlings to ensure that you live a life free from arthritis for years to come.

What Are The Causes Of Arthritis?
As mentioned above there are multiple forms of arthritis, with the three primary forms being rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).  All three conditions share a commonality of symptoms, but each one develops in a different method. The steps you can take to prevent arthritis also have a tendency to offset other diseases, so you’ll get great benefits all around when you take these steps.

What Can I Do To Prevent Arthritis?
One of the things shown to play a major role in holding off the onset of arthritis is consuming omega-3 fatty acids in foods like flaxseed and fish.  Consuming Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to be particularly effective in preventing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, especially in women. Weight is another major contributor to the onset of arthritis, especially in the knees.  Each step you take puts approximately 3 times your weight on your knees, so every pound you are overweight puts a mounting strain on your joints. Exercise, proper diet, and keeping the weight off will all contribute to preventing arthritis.

Other Causes of Arthritis
While the above solutions work for most types of arthritis and can prevent most of their causes, accidents and injury are a source of arthritis that can’t be avoided except through proper precautions.  This includes wearing proper safety equipment when participating in sports and using correct lifting techniques when handling heavy loads or working with repetitive motions. These kinds of activities can lead to a gradual wear and tear that will lead to the onset of arthritis and other complications.

If you suspect that you’re beginning to develop arthritis, or want to get educated on taking steps to help prevent its onset, make an appointment at Space Coast Orthopedics.  When you make an appointment with Dr. Teurlings or one of his staff you’ll get expert advice on maintaining your health and preventing arthritis so you can live a free-moving life free from pain and stiffness.  Don’t let another day go by without getting on the path to an arthritis-free future.