Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a common and general term for inflamed joints. There is no cure for many forms of arthritis; however, some forms can be brought under control. Arthritis and some forms of joint pain are hereditary. If a close relative suffers from it, then there is a high chance that you will be more likely to suffer from it at some point in your life. Although thought to affect mostly seniors, joint pain can strike at any time in our life. The good news is that there are things that we can do to lower the risk of our suffering from arthritis or joint pain, now and in the future.


Avoid high heels – Keeping your heel height to 2 inches or less for every day wear may help to minimize the risk of joint pain in later life, by lessening the strain on your knees. Keep your high heels for special occasions only.


Lose weight if you need to – Shedding some extra pounds can help to reduce the stress on your joints. When you are walking, the load being carried on your knees increases by four times your body weight. This means that if you are just 5 pounds overweight, you are carrying an extra 20 pounds on your knees when you walk.


Eat an apple a day – Make sure that you keep the peel on the apple, as it is the peel that contains antioxidants – five times more than the flesh of the apple. Antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and joint pain. Eat more of the other food groups that are high in antioxidants to further lessen the risk.


Eat olives – Olives contain hydroxytyrosol. This extract is ten times higher in joint relieving antioxidants that that found in vitamin C.


Take supplements – Taking a daily supplement can help to reduce the risk of joint pain, and minimize the risk of developing it in later life. A combination of omega-3 and glucosamine has been found to be more effective than taking glucosamine alone (always consult your doctor before taking supplements).


Cut down on running – Especially if you usually run along pavements, which can increase the pressure on your knees and other joints. Cycling burns the same amount of calories, and is a lower impact exercise. If you really must run, then try to find a running track to practice on, or alternate daily with a low impact exercise such as walking and swimming.


Exercise – However, exercise in general will help encourage your body to produce natural oils and lubricants to help prevent the joints wearing down. Ensure then that you do swim, walk or cycle.