Effective Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Arthritis

Health Tips
September 8, 2021
2 min read
Effective Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes one or more of your joints to be swollen, inflamed, tender, or stiff. It can also reduce the range of motion at those joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is a general term that covers many common diseases, including gout and osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability that predominantly affects people as they age.

It is impossible to completely prevent yourself from developing arthritis. However, there are certain lifestyle habits and actions you can take to decrease your risk. 

Stretch and work out frequently 

Arthritis causes joints to stiffen up, which can make doing everyday tasks very uncomfortable. Stretching involves making movements that loosen the muscles and joints of your body. If you stretch often, your joints will stay limber and agile. Regular stretching can also increase your range of motion. Lounging and resting too often is one of the many causes of arthritis. 

Exercising consistently is another way that you can lower your chances of developing arthritis. You can do simple cardio exercises like walking or jogging or more intense aerobic exercise like running or swimming. It is also important to get into a routine with workouts. The Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that American adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That adds up to 30 minutes over 5 days during the week, and regular physical activity will help keep your joints loose. 

Eat a nutritious diet 

Another effective lifestyle habit is eating healthy foods with high nutritional value. Eating a balanced diet will reduce your chances of developing arthritis. It can also help you maintain a stable, healthy weight, which can help prevent arthritis. 

It is wise to cut down on fats and salts if you want to lower your risk of getting arthritis. Stay away from fast food and eat junk food in moderation. Carotenoids, which you can find in many vegetables, have been discovered to reduce inflammation in your joints. Vitamins found in fish are also effective at keeping inflammation to a minimum, so include plenty of fish in your diet.

Maintain a healthy weight

People who are overweight or obese have a much higher risk of developing arthritis than others. Packing on extra pounds puts more pressure on your joints. The extra stress caused by excess weight can cause joints like your knees and hips to become swollen and tender. Weathering of the joints increases your chance of getting osteoarthritis, which involves the erosion of bone cartilage. 

Your blood sugar is another factor that affects your weight and likelihood of getting arthritis. Having high blood sugar can cause your joints to become more sensitive to stress. Unhealthy weight levels and high blood sugar usually go hand-in-hand so make sure to monitor your blood sugar. 

Avoid injuries

Injuries are an unavoidable part of life yet they have a big impact on your body. Injuries that cause joint damage contribute to your chances of getting arthritis. You should find ways to steer clear of situations where you may become injured. When playing sports, wear protective gear that lowers your chances of getting seriously injured. When exercising or doing heavy lifting, lift with your lower body and not your back. These simple adjustments will help keep you durable and arthritis-free. 

Arthritis causes joint inflammation and swelling that can leave you in pain. Take steps now rather than later to lower your chances of developing this condition. If you are wondering things such as “what is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis”? or “where can I seek treatment for my arthritis?”, contact BASS Medical Group. BASS Medical Group offers arthritis treatment to keep you and your family active and able to do any activities. Visit our website for more info or call our Walnut Creek office at (925) 350-4044.