Treating arthritis can be a 'walk in the park'
Living with arthritis isn't about limiting yourself. It's about finding ways to maintain your high quality of life, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
There are some things you can do to prevent arthritis, and many of them are just good general health advice: Keep your weight at a normal level to avoid stressing knee and hip joints. Enjoy regular exercise. Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind. It occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of bones where they meet in your joints breaks down over time. Bones may rub against each other at the joints, which can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Walking is a great way to help you manage your OA and remain active. Here are some of walking's other benefits:
* Strengthens muscles and builds flexibility.
* Improves cardiovascular fitness.
* Keeps bones strong to help prevent osteoporosis.
* Improves the body's use of insulin to help prevent diabetes.
* Burns calories to help manage body weight.
* Builds strong muscles around joints to protect them.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. Because joint damage occurs early in the course of RA, the American College of Rheumatology recommends starting therapy within three months of diagnosis to relieve symptoms and prevent damage to bones and joints. Several medications have been shown to decrease damage from RA.
