Can you prevent foot arthritis? You can’t fully prevent arthritis, because risk factors like family history and age can’t be controlled. However, certain lifestyle changes can lower the risk of developing painful joints as you get older. Learn the best tips to prevent foot arthritis in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Tips to prevent foot arthritis

Certain preventive tips can help you prevent foot arthritis and improve overall foot health. It includes:

1. Manage your weight:

When you stand or walk, you put a lot of pressure on your feet and ankles. If you are overweight, consider losing weight. Even losing just 1 pound of weight can reduce 4 pounds of pressure on the knee in people with knee osteoarthritis. So, try to maintain a moderate weight to ease your arthritis pain, improve your quality of life, and improve the overall functionality of the foot.

2. Eat omega 3s:

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely considered a superfood and a type of polyunsaturated fat which have many benefits including reducing inflammation in the body. The research has found that omega-3s lower joint RA activity prevent disease progression and lower the risk of developing other types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. Omega- 3 can be found in different vegetarian and non-vegetarian options:

For non-vegetarians

• Fatty fish (like sardines, trout, mackerel, or sardines).
• Fortified eggs
• Red meat

For vegetarians

• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
• Plant oils like soybean, canola, and flaxseed oils
• Fortified juices and soy beverages

You can also take omega-3 supplements to complete the omega-3 requirements, make sure you consult with your doctor first to choose the right supplement.

3. Get some exercise:

You fear exercise may increase the wear and tear in the joints, but you need to exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joints and to relieve the stress of excess weight on your joints. This also stabilizes the joints and protects them from wear and tear. However, you need to avoid high-impact exercises, like running. Instead, you need to choose low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and biking. You can also try 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week. Strength training is also an excellent choice for strengthening muscles. Whether you’re lifting weights or using elastic resistance bands, it relieves and prevents the effects of osteoarthritis. You should also consider flexibility and balance exercises, such as Yoga or Pilates, to increase your range of motion, prevent stiffness, and reduce your risk of injury. Ask a physical therapist or trainer who creates a customized exercise program.

4. Avoid joint injuries:

While you can’t prevent all injuries, your joints will naturally wear out over time. However, you can use protective gear, and supportive shoes, and warm up before playing any sports that increase the risk of injury. Moreover, practicing specific balance and core strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of injuries.

5. Quit smoking:

Smoking is one of the most common risk factors that increases the risk of conditions like cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and arthritis as well. This can lead to bone deterioration and double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men and 1.3 times in women. Moreover, people who don’t smoke respond better to arthritis medications than people who do. So, you need to quit this habit. You can ask your doctor’s help with this, who’ll guide you on what medication you need to take, or a support group you should join to help you quit smoking.

6. Protect your joints:

Activities like bending the knees, climbing, kneeling, heavy lifting, and squatting can lead to joint problems over time. Lifting particularly can be hard on joints. Standing and being exposed to vibrations also increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Some of the common jobs that lead to joint problems are:

• Builder
• Cleaner
• Farmer
• Metal worker
• Floor layer

To protect your joints from everyday strains, use the right techniques when you sit and lift. For example, lift with your knees and hips, not with your back when picking up objects. Carry items close to your body to prevent strain on your wrists.

7. Treat your infections:

Infections not only cause symptoms like coughing and sneezing but also infect your joints and cause arthritis. Infectious arthritis, also called septic arthritis, is a painful form of joint disease caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). These bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to the joint or the fluid around the joint. This type of arthritis is treatable with antibiotics.

Respiratory infections like colds and flu can also trigger rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 2019 study. This may occur due to abnormal immune system responses that trigger autoimmune disease to develop. There’s also a strong connection between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. That’s why you should take timely treatment to protect yourself from arthritis.

When to see a podiatrist

If you have symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, then you should see a doctor or podiatrist. They examine your joints and do some tests to rule out the serious condition. Arthritis damage is progressive, which means you need to treat it sooner (than later), to prevent it from getting worse. A doctor may recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to lower the progression of arthritis and preserve your mobility.

You can’t always prevent arthritis; however, the above-mentioned tips will help you to prevent arthritis, protect your joints, and improve your overall foot health. Some factors like family history or genetics can’t be changed. However, you can always talk with a healthcare professional about your concerns about developing arthritis.

If you need help with foot arthritis, visit our podiatry clinic in Brownsville to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!

Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common, as are infections secondary to systemic diseases. It’s not a promising idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email to info@doralhw.org.