Tips to prevent Arthritis for everyone

 

The aim of World Arthritis Day is to educate people about the benefits of choosing a healthy lifestyle so as to prevent arthritis.

 

Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. It is caused due to the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is a kind of cushioning that protects a joint and allows a joint to move smoothly. If there is not enough of cartilage, the bones tend to rub together, thus causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

 

If you feel any pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth around your joints, it could be one of the symptoms of Arthritis.

 

Emphasizing on the need of healthy lifestyle today Dr. (Col.) O. P. Garg, Rheumatologist at BLK Super Speciality Hospital said, “While earlier and accurate diagnosis can help to prevent irreversible damage caused due to Arthritis, adopting a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards improvement under the treatment of such a condition”

 

So before popping a pill assuming that it’s just muscle pain, think again! It could just be the beginning of a debilitating disease. Contrary to the popular belief, arthritis can also be found in young persons and affects women especially.

 

There are many different types of arthritis. While many forms of arthritis are chronic (long-term), a few can be completely cured with proper treatment.

 

“Moderate exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength”, said Dr. Beena Arora, Senior Dietician at BLK.

 

Other recommendations:

 

·         Keep shifting positions while sitting in office; avoid one position for too long.

 

·         Sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night and taking naps during the day can help recover from a flare-up more quickly and may even help prevent future flare ups.

 

·         Avoid movements that would put extra stress on your joints.

 

·         Meditation, yoga can help

 

·         Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, which contain important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E.

 

·         Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

 

·         Lose weight, if you are overweight. Weight loss can greatly improve joint pain in the legs and feet.