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Arthritis: Not Just for Older Adults

Dr. Richard Rhodes,
orthopedic surgeon

More than one in five U.S. adults has arthritis. What’s more, nearly two-thirds of those diagnosed are younger than 65. Clearly, arthritis is not limited to older people. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your joints so arthritis doesn’t slow you down at any age.

What Is Arthritis?

“Arthritis describes any disease that involves inflammation of the joints,” said Richard Rhodes, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Halifax Health. “The most common type — osteoarthritis — is associated less often with inflammation and more often with degeneration of a joint. It typically affects the hands, knees and hips.

Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement.” Several factors can increase your risk for arthritis, including:

• Too much stress on a joint. Jobs that entail repetitive movements or frequent squatting and crouching, like gardening, raise your arthritis risk. Many athletes, such as soccer and football players, face a higher risk as well.
• An injury to the joint. Because arthritis often involves the breakdown of cartilage and bone, joints damaged by injury are often later affected by arthritis.
• Excess weight. Being overweight puts stress on the joints, especially the knees.

Protect Your Joints

Dr. Rhodes recommends these tips for preventing arthritis:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Weight control lowers the risk for osteoarthritis of the knees and perhaps the hips. Ask your doctor about your recommended weight.
• Show your joints some TLC. Don’t overwork sore or damaged joints.
• Protect joints from injury. Wear protective gear and avoid repetitive motions.