| Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the | | | | assist the joints and prevent some degree of wear |
| body. Wherever bones meet there is a joint, such as | | | | and tear. |
| at the shoulders, elbows, hip, knees, fingers, etc. When | | | | If you are over age 50, it is especially important to do |
| these joints are well-lubricated and healthy there is no | | | | some type of exercise to keep the joints flexible and |
| arthritis pain. | | | | prevent the onset of arthritis. Many older people may |
| A protective layer of cartilage covers the ends of the | | | | think it is too late to begin exercising, but the sooner |
| bones and provides a smooth, slick surface that | | | | you start the better. This age is when the effects of |
| cushions and removes friction in the joint where the | | | | arthritis begin to be felt the most, so this is when |
| bones rub together. A thin membrane called the | | | | people should really work to stay as healthy as |
| synovium lines the joints and provides a fluid that | | | | possible. |
| lubricates and nourishes the cartilage and bones in the | | | | Some other ways to prevent and minimize arthritis |
| joint. | | | | include: |
| Arthritis can occur when this synovium becomes | | | | 1. Lose that extra weight. The more you weigh, the |
| damaged or inflamed. If this happens, the lubricating | | | | more strain you put on your joints, especially your hips |
| fluid may not be present in the joint, and cartilage | | | | and knees. The pressure from this extra weight will |
| damage can take place. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage | | | | more quickly erode the cartilage in the joints and cause |
| of the joints deteriorates and erodes until its cushioning | | | | pain all that much quicker. Studies have shown that |
| effects are nonexistent. Eventually the joint is just | | | | losing weight is a clear advantage to delaying and |
| bone rubbing on bone, which becomes very painful and | | | | preventing arthritis. In one study, overweight women |
| crippling. Osteoarthritis happens over time and is a | | | | who lost 11 pounds or more over a 10-year period |
| gradual effect, which is why older people are more | | | | decreased their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the |
| affected by it. | | | | knee by 50%. |
| Another form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, can also | | | | 2. Stretch those muscles. Stretching warms up the |
| be caused by damage to the synovium. The synovium | | | | muscles and helps prevent muscle strain and tears |
| again stops providing the lubricating fluid to the joint. | | | | when exercising. Stretch and hold for 15 to 20 |
| This causes the joints to become swollen, stiff, and | | | | seconds, then rest a short while and repeat. Even |
| painful. | | | | when you are not exercising, it's a good idea to stretch |
| While the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not | | | | every day. This keeps the muscles loose and limber, |
| completely known, it is believed that the immune | | | | and helps them to support the joints better. |
| system of the body actually attacks certain tissues, | | | | 3. Walking is one of the best exercises. If you are an |
| with the sunovium being one of them. Scar tissue can | | | | older person, walking is a safe, healthy exercise that |
| form in the joints, and in extreme case, the bones can | | | | has great benefits for all systems of the body. Not |
| actually fuse together. | | | | only does it help keep the joints in shape, but it |
| Women make up almost 75% of the 2 million people | | | | increases blood flow and energy levels. |
| with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States. This | | | | So, to keep your joints free from the painful effects of |
| disease can start affecting people as early as their | | | | arthritis as long as possible, follow the few tips just |
| teenage years. | | | | given. Lose the extra weight, stretch those muscles |
| Exercise helps to minimize arthritis. | | | | occasionally, and walk several times a week to keep |
| An exercise program consisting of a weight-bearing | | | | those joints free from wear and tear. Exercising and |
| low-impact routine can greatly help to ward off arthritis | | | | taking care of your body now will prevent a bunch of |
| pain. Stretching is another excellent way to stay | | | | pain later! |
| flexible and maintain good joint health. Strong muscles | | | | |