Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting over 32 million adults in the United States. Because it causes chronic joint pain and stiffness, many people wonder whether OA can be prevented.
But is OA prevention possible? Or, if it isn’t, can you at least reduce the risk?
Double-board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our caring team at Katy Rheumatology & Associates, in Katy, Texas, specialize in osteoarthritis management. Read on to learn what causes OA and the steps you can take to significantly lower your risk.
OA occurs when cartilage — a soft, cushion-like substance that pads your bones where they meet within your joints — breaks down due to age and everyday joint use.
Although it’s most common in older adults, OA can affect people of all ages, especially athletes and those with active lifestyles. Other factors like joint injuries, excess weight, and family history can also increase the risk.
While there’s no cure for OA, healthy lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and activity modifications can help relieve joint stress, ease pain, and improve mobility.
The most effective way to reduce your risk of developing OA is to keep your joints healthy. Several things can assist in these efforts, including:
Excess weight is one of the main risk factors for OA. In fact, research shows that people with obesity are four times more likely to develop OA than those without. While losing weight can be challenging, don’t feel like you have to completely upend your lifestyle. Even losing just 5% of your total body weight can ease pressure on your joints and help keep your cartilage healthy.
Because OA is caused by wear and tear on the joints, you might assume regular exercise could increase your risk. However, that isn’t the case. Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, provide a safe and effective way to help strengthen the muscles around your joints, which improves support and flexibility. In fact, research suggests regular exercise may slow OA progression or help prevent it altogether.
Joint injuries, like ankle sprains and meniscus tears, can significantly affect joint mechanics and mobility. Prompt treatment not only helps you return to activities sooner, but also lowers your long-term risk of developing OA.
Instead of rushing back into your regular routine, take time to ensure your joint injury heals. For example, if your doctor recommends physical therapy, make sure to complete the full course of treatment. If the joint doesn’t fully heal, you may overcompensate with other joints, which can increase your risk of OA.
Following these steps can help lower your risk of OA, but they don’t guarantee you won’t develop it. OA affects everyone differently. In some cases, factors such as genetics and the natural aging process can trigger it, despite your best efforts.
Even so, these preventive measures can delay its onset and reduce its severity, helping you stay active and pain-free longer.
Without proper care, OA can turn simple activities — like walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or opening a jar — into challenging tasks. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you’re concerned about your risk of developing OA, call our office in Katy, Texas, or book an appointment online today. After a physical exam and any necessary imaging tests, we’ll make personalized recommendations to help you protect your joints and maintain your mobility.
