8 Tips to Slow Osteoarthritis Progression

Did you know there are over 100 types of arthritis, from rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) to gout, which typically affects the big toe? Osteoarthritis (OA), however, is by far the most common form, affecting 32.5 million adults in the United States.

Think again if you believe that arthritis pain, inflammation, and mobility problems are inescapable parts of aging. As with many conditions, you can take steps to prevent the progression of arthritis.

At his practice, Dr. Vasilios Mathews and his able team are dedicated to relieving your arthritis symptoms with innovative treatments and a treatment plan that’s completely customized to your needs. Dr. Mathews is also committed to being your partner in care and will always discuss ways you can support your joint health. 

Important facts about osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is degenerative, meaning that the condition causes the joints to deteriorate over time. We can’t modify OA risk factors, such as a genetic predisposition, being female, and getting older. You can also fuel the development of OA by sustaining a traumatic injury.

The good news is that we control several factors that can impact OA’s progression.

OA symptoms can lower your quality of life, including:

• Joint inflammation
• Joint pain
• Range of motion limitation
• Mobility problems

Unfortunately, OA can have a snowball effect. If arthritis affects one's gait, this can cause other joints to become misaligned, making them candidates for OA as well. 

How to put the brakes on arthritis progression

Dr. Mathews offers sound advice on how to slow your arthritis.

1. Be weight-aware

Extra pounds put pressure on your weight-bearing joints (the hips and knees), which they don’t need. Here’s a sobering fact: Every pound of excess weight a person carries translates to four pounds of stress on your knees — and puts a whopping six times more pressure on your hips!

This is terrible news for your cartilage (the protective cushion for joints) because it breaks down increasingly as time passes.

Fat tissue also produces cytokines, which are proteins that stimulate inflammation throughout your body — bad news in many ways for your health, as it’s been associated with serious conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

These cytokines are villains to your joints because they contribute to tissue destruction.  

2. Move as much as you can

Physical exercise is a magic potion for OA. If you commit to 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise five days a week, you’re doing your joints immensely good. Exercise:

• It helps your joints remain limber
• Make the muscles that stabilize your hips and knees stronger
• Supports weight loss or maintaining a normal weight

Also, exercise doesn’t mean running a marathon or engaging in activities you don’t enjoy. Activities like walking your dog, cycling around your neighborhood, gardening, and even cleaning the house all count! 

3. Watch your blood sugar

This one might surprise you, but high blood glucose levels accelerate the formation of unique molecules that stiffen cartilage. 

It also leads to diabetes, a condition that can spur systemic inflammation, which contributes to cartilage loss. 

4. Protect your joints

Do everything you can to prevent joint injury. This means being careful when moving and wearing the right gear, such as knee and elbow pads when playing sports.

Be conscious of correct form when using your body. Use your strongest, largest joints when performing challenging lifting and carrying tasks, and remember to take periodic rests. 

If you get injured, take the time your body needs to recover fully.

5. Get your Zzzzs

Adequate rest supports joint health, but about 70% of OA patients have sleep disturbances. If you do, establish a calming nighttime winddown routine and get any problems treated, like sleep apnea. 

6. Don’t let your joints get thirsty

Staying well-hydrated is key for joint health. It keeps your joints lubricated, helps your cartilage (since cartilage is 60-80% water), fights inflammation, and helps flush toxins out of your body.

Stick to water, coffee, and tea in moderate amounts while shunning sugary sodas and excessive alcohol. 

7. Eat well

Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet with plentiful fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts, and avoid red meat, refined carbs, and fried or sugary foods. 

8. Tame stress

Stress can cause your body to release chemicals that encourage inflammation, and that’s never good. Meditation, deep breathing, improving your work-life balance, exercising, and connecting with loved ones are all powerful stress fighters.

Rest assured that Dr. Vasilios is here to treat your osteoarthritis and help you slow it down. You can enjoy an active, pain-free life with proper prevention and treatment. 

Contact our Houston office at 713-794-3548 to schedule an appointment or book one online.