We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Prevent Arthritis?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,088
References
Share

There are many theories based upon the assumption that arthritis can be prevented. Some of these theories include minimal activity, joint care, and strained muscle prevention. Attempting to prevent arthritis is easy to do if certain precautions are taken on a regular basis. The first step towards preventing arthritis is to think about your daily activities.

Repetitive strain on your joints can lead to arthritis. Therefore, reducing the amount of repetitive activity that you engage in is one way to potentially prevent arthritis. This can be done by paying attention to any activities that you engage in. If you find that your joints ache every time you take part in an activity, try to limit that activity.

In addition, keep track of those work positions that cause joint pain. A simple chair or computer keyboard adjustment at work may be necessary in order to prevent joint strain. When it comes to exercise, try and avoid sports that cause joints to wear out. Sports such as running and heavy weight lifting should be kept to a minimum.

Aside from activity related joint pain, it is also important to pay close attention to your weight. People who are overweight often place unnecessary stress on joints. Thus, it is important to stay within your ideal weight range according to your height and age. If you are unsure of your ideal weight range, speak with your primary care physician. Your doctor should be able to determine whether or not you are overweight.

There is also some speculation that drinking large amounts of water will help to keep joints lubricated. While this theory is not backed by scientific fact, it is true that water will help to flush unwanted toxins from your body. By replacing soft drinks and other drinks with water, you may effectively prevent arthritis.

Lastly, take the time to engage in exercises that stretch your joints. Yoga is one activity that will help to increase your flexibility, and relieve joint pressure. In fact, a mixture of cardiovascular, weight training, yoga, and other sports is the best way to ensure that you do not place too much pressure on your joints.

While there's no disputing the fact that exercise is good for you, the type of exercise that you do may contribute to arthritis. To prevent arthritis, take part in a wide variety of activities, eat healthy foods, and try to find ways to relieve joint stress. It is possible to prevent arthritis if you pay attention to your body at all times.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon949958 — On May 07, 2014

Yes, weight training and jogging causes arthritis in the long run. That is why most athletes retire in their early 30s.

By ysmina — On Sep 21, 2013

I just found out that magnesium can help prevent arthritis and it can also be an arthritis remedy. Apparently, magnesium helps calcium in the soft tissues reach the bones. So the bones become stronger.

By burcinc — On Sep 20, 2013

@literally45-- You might want to ask your doctor about this. As far as I know, the best exercises to prevent arthritis are exercises that put the least amount of strain on your skeletal system. Swimming for example is great for preventing arthritis because there is absolutely no pressure or strain put on the skeletal system. Yoga is also good because it involves gentle movements using your own body weight and no repetitive movements.

Jogging is not best for arthritis because there is a lot of pressure put on the joints like the knees and ankles. It's also a repetitive movement.

By literally45 — On Sep 20, 2013

I thought that regular exercise prevents arthritis because it prevents stiffness and calcification in joints. I'm surprised to know that repetitive movements actually lead to arthritis. Does this mean that jogging leads to arthritis?

And how is weight training okay? Doesn't weight training strain muscles and put a lot of pressure on joints?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-prevent-arthritis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.