Arthritis occurs when there is a lack of cartilage, leading to the inflammation of one or more joints, which causes pain and trouble with movement. Arthritis and stiffness in the joints, especially the knee, is the main cause why so many patients visit our orthopedic centers in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that as many as 40 million people in America are affected by this disease, according to a recent study1. The main factors for developing arthritis are age (elderly people are more prone to it), obesity, bad diet or a history of injuries. Luckily, there are things that can be done to prevent this inflammation, and they include the following:
1. Include more fiber in your everyday diet
Recent studies show that including more fiber in your diet can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis, as it prevents the two main factors that contribute joint stiffness and these are obesity and inflammation. The study was conducted by Dr. Zhaoli Dai of Tufts University in Boston told Reuters Health. He found out that:
“Given that dietary fiber is known to help prevent obesity and reduce inflammation, both of which are associated with arthritis, Dai’s team looked at diet and arthritis risk over time in two study groups. In the Osteoarthritis Initiative, which included 4,796 men and women with OA or at risk for OA, people who consumed the most dietary fiber at the start of the study were 30 percent less likely than those who ate the least fiber to develop knee pain, stiffness or swelling due to OA, or to worsening of OA, during four years of follow-up.”2
Fiber can be found in most vegetables, so a plant-based diet seems to be the best dietary choice for people seeking to reduce the risk of arthritis.
2. Regular exercise
Getting some low-intensity exercise on a regular basis has many healthy benefits, including the prevention of arthritis. It not only allows you to stay in good shape (as previously mentioned, excess weight can contribute to developing joints problems) but it also reduces the inflammation in your body. This is because exercising keeps your insulin levels in check and this prevents the inflammation from occurring. So put on those sneakers and go for a walk around the neighborhood and your knees will thank you for it in the future.
Orthopedics Palm Beach County – Where can I find help if I suffer from arthritis?
Arthritis is a painful and disruptive disease. It can prevent people who suffer from it from having a normal life, especially if they are living an active lifestyle. Fortunately, here at Orthopaedic Surgery Associates we know our way around it – our professional team of orthopedic physicians will take good care of you to make sure you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Visit our website for more information or give us a call if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists of Orthopedics in Palm Beach County. We look forward to see you soon!
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