Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can impact any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects the knees. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint. It is commonly referred to as “bone on bone” in the advanced stages of osteoarthritis.
According to the CDC, 32.5 million people in the US are affected by osteoarthritis.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including age, obesity, previous joint injuries, and genetics. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s essential to take steps to protect your joints and prevent the disease from progressing. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to manage the pain and keep the condition from progressing.
4 Ways to Protect Your Knees
There are many ways that you can protect your knees from developing osteoarthritis. These range from lifestyle changes to products meant to help. A few of these include;
Maintain a Healthy Diet
While there are many risk factors for osteoarthritis, one of the most significant is obesity. Being overweight stresses joints, damaging the cartilage that protects them. In addition, fat cells produce chemicals that increase inflammation, further damaging the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do to protect your knees from osteoarthritis. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition. If you are already overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight can make a big difference in your joint health. So if you are concerned about osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is an effective way to protect the knees from osteoarthritis, as it strengthens the muscles around the joint and helps to reduce inflammation. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, and cycling are beneficial, as they help to maintain healthy cartilage. Joint-protection exercises such as yoga and pilates can also be helpful, as they help to improve range of motion and increase flexibility. By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, you can help to protect your knees from osteoarthritis.
Stretch & Wear Proper Shoes
Additionally, stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve your range of motion and protect the knees from further wear and tear. Similarly, wearing proper-fitting shoes that help you maintain balance and your natural gait can help reduce the pressure your knees take from osteoarthritis.
Wear a Knee Brace
One of the best ways to prevent or soften the effects of osteoarthritis is to wear protective knee braces. Knee braces help to support the joints and minimize stress on the cartilage. This can prevent the cartilage from breaking down and relieves pressure on the joints. Wearing braces also help to stabilize the joints and keeps them in alignment. This can reduce pain and inflammation. Protective braces are an effective way to prevent osteoarthritis and can be worn during activities such as sports or gardening.
In summary
Whether you currently suffer from osteoarthritis or are concerned about developing it in the future (due to genetics or injury), utilizing the above tips can help you protect your knees and body. Be sure to consult with a physician if you are predisposed to osteoarthritis or have early disease symptoms.
