Estimated to affect nearly one in four American adults, arthritis is a common condition characterized by chronic joint inflammation. For many, the problem may cause severe pain and immobility. While this condition cannot always be prevented, knowing if you’re at risk can help you take steps to lower the chance of developing it. To keep your joints healthy, here are a few common risk factors of arthritis and what you can do if you’re diagnosed with the disease.

What Are Risk Factors for Arthritis & How Can You Prevent Them?

Physical Injury & Overuse

Physical trauma, such as a fall, can damage the cartilage that protects joints, causing premature wear and tear. Similarly, repetitive movements from athletic or on-the-job activities may lead to advanced cartilage deterioration. Although accidents can happen without any warning, you can protect your joints by stretching before activity, using proper form, wearing protective gear, and treating injuries as soon as they occur.

Excessive Body Weight

If you are overweight or obese, extra body weight places excessive pressure on weight-bearing joints — such as the hips or knees. Proper weight management through diet and exercise can greatly reduce this risk.

Smoking

Cigarettes introduce toxins into the body that can damage joints, bones, and other tissues. In addition to contributing to higher arthritis risk, the habit can make existing symptoms worse. For this reason, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect your skeletal health.

Age, Gender, and Genetics

Cartilage around joints naturally deteriorates with age — a form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Compared to men, women have a higher risk of developing the problem. Similarly, individuals who have a family history of any type of arthritis are at a higher risk of having the disease. While these factors cannot be controlled, knowing you have them can help you stay aware of the risks to catch and treat the problem early on.

How Can You Manage Arthritis?

Lifestyle changes — such as avoiding inflammatory foods and exercising regularly — can greatly reduce symptoms of the condition. However, if these activities aren’t enough to ease your joint pain and swelling, seeing a chiropractor can provide additional relief.

Specializing in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors can accurately identify problematic joints and offer non-invasive treatments to provide relief. For example, chiropractic adjustments, massage, and physical therapy are all potential ways to reduce joint swelling, minimize pain, promote greater flexibility, and stimulate healing.

If you’re looking for a non-medicated approach to arthritis relief, Midway Pointe Chiropractic will introduce you to many advanced treatment options. Serving patients in the Lorain County, OH region, this clinic is equipped to diagnose and treat joint problems through a series of personalized remedies — including chiropractic adjustment.  To learn more about how their chiropractic care can target your chronic pain, visit the practice online. For appointments, call (440) 324-2040 to speak with a friendly team member at the Elyria, OH office.