Arthritis
Alternate Names : Joint Inflammation
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Arthritis Prevention
Most cases are not preventable. Find out if you have a family history of arthritis-related conditions. The goal is to diagnose and treat arthritis early.
Some scientists believe that osteoarthritis may develop in some people if they abuse their joints (injure them many times or over-use them while injured). Take care not to over-work a damaged or sore joint, as this may help postpone or eliminate possible development of osteoarthritis.
Excess weight also increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk for this. In men, being overweight increases the risk for developing gout. Maintain your recommended weight, particularly as you get older. Research shows that overweight middle-aged and older women who lose 11 pounds or more over 10 years can cut in half their risk for developing knee osteoarthritis.
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