Contrary to popular belief, it’s much more than aches and pains. One only has to ask the estimated 58 million people in the US who suffer from arthritis to understand this chronic condition in its full scope.
Unfortunately, once it arrives, it’s a condition that’s very difficult to shake off. The pain can be excruciating, and it’s also a significant source of medical claims.
The old saying goes, “prevention is better than the cure”. The good news is that there are mechanisms to reduce the risk of arthritis, which we will explore in today’s article.
Obesity
One of the primary risk factors for arthritis is obesity. In fact, obesity is thought to increase the risk of developing arthritis by up to 50%.
It’s a simple formula; the excess weight puts a strain on the joints, which can lead to the development of arthritis over time. If you are obese, it’s important to try and healthily lose weight.
Poor Diet
Following on from the previous point, it’s not just obesity that can lead to arthritis; a poor diet can also contribute. Studies have shown that a diet high in processed foods and sugar can contribute to inflammation, which is a key factor in developing this condition.
Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce the risk of developing arthritis.
Smoking
Smoking is another significant risk factor for arthritis. Studies have shown that smokers are three times more likely to develop arthritis than non-smokers.
The reason for this is not fully understood, but it’s thought that smoking damages the cartilage, which is the protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones. There are also indirect consequences. For example, with smokers generally in a much worse state of health than non-smokers, any surgical procedures in the future carry far more risks.
As you may have gathered by this stage, this is all about following the standard healthy living principles that have been drilled into us from a young age. Sure, some issues are out of our control (which we will touch upon shortly), but overall, the risks of arthritis can be significantly reduced if you try and abide by simple, healthy living.
Joint Injuries
Another significant risk factor is joint injuries. This is particularly relevant for those who participate in high-impact sports such as football or rugby, which naturally carry far more risks.
Even a single serious joint injury can significantly increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life. It’s thought that joint injury leads to the development of arthritis in around 15-20% of cases. Or, to throw another statistic into the mix, an injured joint is seven times more likely to succumb to arthritis in the future.
Of course, some of this is out of your control, but at least following an appropriate recovery plan can minimise the risks for the latter years of your life.
