You can take steps to help prevent the development of osteoarthritis or to help
prevent the progression of this condition. These steps include:
Weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight may be the single most
important thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis.4Being overweight puts
extra strain on the joints, particularly thelarge weight-bearing joints such as
the knees, the hips, and the ballsof the feet. It is estimated that every 1 lb
of body weight means atleast 3 lb of stress at the knee joint, and even more at
the hip joint.That would mean that losing just 5 lb would take at least 15 lb
ofstress off your knees. Extra weight may also alter the normal structureof the
joint and increase the risk for osteoarthritis. Maintain ahealthy weight to
prevent or reduce joint damage and lower the stresson osteoarthritic joints.
For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight. Injury prevention.Protect
your joints from serious injury or repeated minor injuries todecrease your risk
of damaging cartilage. Repeated minor injuriesincludethose from job-related
activities such as frequent or
constantkneeling, squatting, or other postures that place stress on the
kneejoint. Exercise. Exercisecan help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Light-
to moderate-intensityphysical activity may prevent a decline in, and may even
restore,health and function.6But some people with osteoarthritis may be
reluctant to exercisebecause of joint pain after activity. You can take various
steps tohelp relieve pain, such as heat and coldtherapyor taking pain
relievers, which may make it easier for you to exerciseand stay active. Choose
partial– or non–weight-bearing exercise, suchas bicycling, swimming, or water
exercise. You can also try lightweight-lifting exercises, with supervision.
Researchshows that even modest weight loss combined with exercise is
moreeffective in decreasing pain and restoring function than either weightloss
or exercise alone.7
Youngadults who have significant knee injuries have an increased risk
offuture osteoarthritis. Prevention of joint injuries during youthdepends in
good part on the use of proper sports equipment and onplaying under safe
playing conditions.8A young person who has a serious knee injury can limit
further damageby using a brace to stabilize the knee joint and by changing the
way heor she does high-impact exercise.
A physical therapist or athletic trainer can help advise you on returning to
activities after an injury.
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