How to Prevent Osteoarthritis Complications

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions in the United States. As it progresses, OA can significantly impact quality of life. However, with proactive management, it's possible to prevent or mitigate many of its complications.

Our medical expertise at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, includes specialty care for osteoarthritis. We can’t cure OA – yet. However, we can certainly help stall its progress with strategies that protect, nourish, and strengthen your joints.  

Read more about OA from our team, including our tips for preventing complications.

Understanding osteoarthritis

Characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, OA is the most common type of arthritis in the U.S. Frequently described as wear and tear arthritis, it’s often related to aging but may result from overuse during sports training or daily activities that stress joints.

OA can progress until cartilage covering the ends of bones within the joint wears away completely. This results in significant pain, worsening inflammation, and severely restricted mobility as bone rubs against bone.

Any joint can develop osteoarthritis, but those most commonly affected are the weight-bearing joints (i.e., knees, hips, spine) and high-use joints like the elbows and hands.

Preventing complications from osteoarthritis

Although most people will eventually develop osteoarthritis, there is much you can do to prevent it from becoming a severe issue that affects your quality of life.

Try these tips to preserve joint health:   

1. Stay active with low-impact exercise

Regular physical activity strengthens the muscles around your joints and maintains joint flexibility. Low-impact exercises are particularly beneficial for people with OA.

Recommended exercises include walking, swimming for a full-body workout that doesn’t stress joints, and cycling to improve cardiovascular health and joint mobility. Yoga and Tai Chi enhance flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight stresses the knees, hips, spine, and other weight-bearing joints. However, losing just a little weight can significantly impact joint health. For instance, losing one pound can reduce pressure on knee joints by four pounds.

Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the strain on your joints, slow the progression of OA, and reduce pain.

3. Follow a joint-healthy diet

To provide the nutrients your joints require, follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and high-sugar snacks, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Inflammation plays a critical role in joint health, driving the joint stiffness, swelling, and pain accompanying osteoarthritis. An anti-inflammatory diet that includes fish, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage), yogurt, and spices like turmeric can help protect your joints from the adverse effects of inflammation.   

3. Protect your joints every day

Protecting your joints during daily activities can prevent further damage and reduce pain.

Our Allergy A.R.T.S. team recommends avoiding repetitive movements that strain your joints by maintaining joint-friendly hobbies, sports, exercise, or work activities.

Joint-friendly exercise programs include cardiovascular, strengthening, and flexibility training that offers benefits without overusing your joints. For instance, even healthy knees and hips appreciate switching from running to walking or swimming during your weekly routine.    

Proper body mechanics when lifting or moving objects and using assistive devices like custom braces or shoe inserts can also reduce joint stress.

4. Check in early

Don’t ignore the warning signs of osteoarthritis, such as morning stiffness that lasts a little longer each day.  Early diagnosis and treatment, including personalized strategies for preventing osteoarthritis complications, can reduce pain and increase mobility.

Schedule a visit at Allergy A.R.T.S. today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.