Arthritis is an affliction of the aging process and it is perceived to be disease of the old, but can affect people of all ages. There are certain changes that can be made in your lifestyle which will help prevent arthritis. For this you need to avoid junk food, exercise regularly and maintain your joints and ligaments well. Use good quality shoes while exercising and jogging. In case of injury, always consult a specialist and take care of the damage caused in time. Arthritis refers to a condition of pain and inflammation in a joint which leads to restricted joint movements. There are two types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness and tenderness. Among other arthritis symptoms are weakness, muscle wasting and red skin over the affected joint. As of now, there is no arthritis cure. So, the treatment of arthritis focuses on slowing down the condition. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are advised for easing the complication of arthritis. Arthroplasty (joint replacement), arthodesis and osteotomy are among other treatment options for arthritis.
Foods to include and avoid in arthritis:
The chronic ache in arthritis can be relieved by making few alterations in your diet. There is no clear consensus about what foods to take and what to avoid. You can take foods rich in protein, Vitamin C such as citrus foods, Calcium supplements and milk products. It is also vital to expose your body to the sun. Junk food must be avoided are as they increase the weight around the joints, which stiffens and increases wear and tear of the joints and hence causes pain. Certain foods such as Brassica family and mustard have been said to cause problems but nothing about them has been proved. Milk products are best to be had to supplement calcium intake and Vitamins.
These 10 methods could help to prevent arthritis:
- Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Not smoking or quitting smoking may help someone avoid the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
- A healthy diet which is low in sugar, alcohol and purine sources, such as liver, poultry and pork, may work for gout, another form of arthritis, and the Arthritis Foundation notes.
- Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation in the body. Sources of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines.
- Exercise helps to keep the weight in control and it also builds up muscles in areas around the joints for protection.
- Avoiding injury is a way to prevent the onset of arthritis. Injuries may cause damage to the cartilage near the joints to bring on the crippling disease. Wearing protective gear during contact sports and learning the perfect way to exercise helps to avoid injury.
- People can have their vitamin D levels checked by a doctor at regular intervals in order to prevent arthritis.
- Staying properly hydrated also helps to prevent arthritis as cartilage requires an adequate supply of water to cushion the joints. Drinking six to eight cups of water on daily basis may keep the cartilage healthy.
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C may prevent osteoarthritis. Vitamin C supplements help to increase bone density. People should consult their doctor to know dosage when using vitamin supplements to prevent arthritis.
- Women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol may have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.