Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, especially as they age. It involves inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2019 data, about 520 million people live with osteoarthritis around the world—an increase of 113% since 1990.

Types of Arthritis and its Causes

Out of many types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint, wears down over time. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and damage. This condition can affect multiple joints at once and may cause symptoms throughout the body. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA can occur at any age.]

Prevention of Arthritis

The risk of arthritis can be lowered. Here is a brief description of how to possibly prevent arthritis: 

Healthy weight: Most of the cases can be prevented by reducing weight. People with obesity are at high risk of developing arthritis as they are overloading their knees by putting more weight on them than they can handle.Avoid trauma: Excessive injury to the knee can also increase the risk of arthritis.Exercises: Including exercises in your daily routine will strengthen your muscles, which helps to keep your joints intact. If your muscles have enough power to bear the weight of your body naturally, the load on the knees will be much less.A healthy diet: Include omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, soya beans, etc. in your diet, as they have anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce joint pain and inflammation.