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.
