Arthritis

Prevention:

Most cases are not preventable. Awareness of a family history of arthritis-related conditions may allow earlier recognition and earlier treatment of a disorder.

Some scientists believe that osteoarthritis may develop in some people because they have abused their joints (injured them many times or over-used them while they were injured). Taking care not to over-work a damaged or sore joint may postpone or help eliminate development of osteoarthritis in some people.

Excess weight also increases your risk for developing osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk for this. In men, being over-weight increases the risk for developing gout. It is important to maintain your recommended weight, especially as you get older.

Research shows that if middle-age and older women of average height who are over weight, lose 11 pounds or more over 10 years, they can cut their risk for developing knee osteoarthritis in half.