Inherited risk factors: While it is still not known what causes most forms of arthritis, it is believed that there may be a genetic component in several different types of the condition, such as ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The major types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are not considered hereditary, although recent evidence suggests that certain forms of osteoarthritis in the hands can be hereditary. Further studies are needed to confirm this.

Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors greatly impact the development and progression of osteoarthritis. These include:

• failing to build physical activity into your daily routine.

• being overweight, which adds stress to the weight-bearing joints.

• having an occupation that involves repetitive knee bending and squatting. These movements are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

• playing sports that consistently stress the joints such as hockey or tennis. This may increase the risk of arthritis over time.

Preventive measures: To a degree, osteoarthritis is not a preventable disease as a certain amount of wear and tear on the joints is inevitable. Nonetheless, the following measures will help ensure that the erosion of cartilage is kept to a minimum:

• Build physical activity into your life. Cartilage depends on joint movement to absorb nutrients, remove waste and stay healthy.

• Always warm up and cool down before physical exercise to prevent injury. Excessive stress on a joint, especially if the stress is repetitious, increases the risk of osteoarthritis later on in life.

• Maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on the joints.

• Consider taking a glucosamine, chondroitin, or MSM supplement such as Webber Naturals™ MSM, or Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM. (Glucosamine is a building block of healthy cartilage and connective tissue, and MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that possesses anti-inflammatory properties.)

Back to Top