It may start with an occasional twinge in your hip or a catch in your knee. Then you notice that actions you took for granted — climbing stairs, going for a long walk or squatting down to pick up a grandchild — take that twinge to an ongoing ache. Before you know it, you’re avoiding those activities.
More than likely, the culprit is osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis, and typically the result of wear and tear on your joints. It also may be caused by an old injury that 20 or 30 years later has come back to haunt you. For some people, it runs in the family.
Osteoarthritis is the loss of the smooth coating on the end of your bones called cartilage. Cartilage allows your joints to move easily and without pain. As the cartilage thins, the bones start rubbing together, causing inflammation and pain.
Here are 5 things you need to know about finding relief:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Excess weight puts greater strain and pressure on your joints. Even modest decreases in your weight can make a big difference in the pain you experience. - Stay active.
When it comes to joints, motion is the lotion to keep them working smoothly. Rather than jogging or playing tennis, choose low-impact activities like biking, walking and swimming. Pool exercise is a great option, providing buoyancy that takes strain off your joints; resistance of the water builds strength.
Leave a Reply