Osteoarthritis is a painful disease that can severely limit everyday life. Contrary to what is often assumed, not only older people are affected, because joint wear and tear can be caused by various factors. We explain which 5 mistakes promote arthrosis.
Osteoarthritis is a painful disease of the joints in which the articular cartilage is damaged due to wear and tear. All joints can be affected, but the knees and hips are most commonly affected. If the disease usually only starts with pain on exertion, if left untreated, any movement can become painful over time. It is therefore all the more important to take countermeasures at an early stage. With increasing age and wear and tear on the joints, the risk of osteoarthritis also increases – but various lifestyle mistakes can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Table of Contents
Osteoarthritis: These 5 mistakes promote joint wear
1. Sport overload
Sufficient exercise and sport are healthy – however, overloading the joints through sport or sports injuries can also cause arthrosis. However, not every sporting activity carries a risk of osteoarthritis: In particular, sports with fast and abrupt movements such as football, tennis or basketball put a strain on the joints and articular cartilage. Anyone who practices these sports should ensure that they allow for a regeneration period, especially after injuries. Other sports, on the other hand, can even reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Examples include cycling and swimming.
2. Lack of exercise
Many people are aware that a lack of exercise has a negative effect on our health and increases the risk of various diseases. This also includes arthrosis: Constant sitting results in joint cartilage becoming brittle and degrading. In this way, the development of arthrosis in knee and hip joints is promoted. A lack of exercise is often accompanied by being overweight, which puts additional strain on the joints. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 65 exercise at least 150 minutes a week to prevent disease .
3. Smoking
Smoking damages our health and is associated with an increased risk of various diseases. These include lung cancer or cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or heart attacks. And chronic nicotine consumption also damages our joints: Studies have shown that smokers have a higher risk of developing arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation that can develop from osteoarthritis. Apart from that, smoking can aggravate the symptoms of an existing arthrosis.
4. Too much meat, sugar and co.
A balanced, nutritious diet forms the basis for a healthy body. Diet also plays a major role in relation to the risk of osteoarthritis: what we eat can either fuel or counteract inflammatory processes in the joints. For example, large amounts of sugar or meat promote inflammation, which in turn promotes the breakdown of cartilage and thus osteoarthritis.
Also interesting: Diet for arthrosis >>
5. Not enough anti-inflammatory foods
Conversely, anti-inflammatory foods should be on the menu, especially for people with inflammatory joint diseases. Nutrients that help fight inflammation include vitamin D3, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. The spice turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Here you will find our picture gallery with 13 foods that inhibit inflammation in the body >>
