Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is more common in older adults, but prevention from an early age can be key to maintaining healthy joints in later life. 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and taking care of your body from a young age can make all the difference in preventing osteoarthritis in the future. 

Today we want to leave you with a brief guide of tips that young people can follow to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in adulthood.

1. Maintain a healthy weight:

Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, especially in the spine, hips and knees. Being overweight is a major risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis.

Tip: Adopting an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the burden on joints and prevent osteoarthritis in the future.

2. Exercise regularly:

Exercise is essential for maintaining joint flexibility, strength and health. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles surrounding the joints, increasing the risk of developing joint problems in later life.

Tip: Incorporate physical activities such as walking, running, swimming or playing sports into your daily routine. Regular exercise helps strengthen muscles, improve circulation and keep joints in good condition.

3. Avoid sports injuries:

Injuries to joints during youth can have a lasting impact and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. Injuries to ligaments, menisci or other joint structures can predispose to long-term joint problems.

Tip: Use proper protective equipment when playing sports, follow the rules and train properly to reduce the risk of injury.

4. Eat a balanced diet:

Diet plays a key role in joint health. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and omega-3, helps maintain joint health and prevent osteoarthritis.

Tip: Include foods such as fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products in your diet to get the nutrients needed for joint health.

5. Watch your posture:

Improper posture can put additional stress on the joints and spine, contributing to premature wear and tear. Maintaining proper posture from a young age can help prevent joint problems in the future.

Tip: Be aware of your posture when standing, sitting or performing daily activities. Maintaining good posture contributes to spine and joint health.

6. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption:

Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption not only affect overall health, but can also have a negative impact on joints. Tobacco, for example, reduces blood circulation, affecting the delivery of nutrients to the joints.

Tip: Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption can help preserve joint health and reduce the risk of developing joint problems in the future.

7. Perform regular medical check-ups:

Early detection of potential joint problems or risk factors can allow for preventive interventions and appropriate treatments.

Tip: Getting regular medical checkups, especially if there is a family history of osteoarthritis or other joint problems, can help address any concerns early and take preventive measures.

As you can see, preventing osteoarthritis starts young, with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Maintaining an appropriate weight, exercising regularly, avoiding injuries, taking care of your diet and maintaining good posture are key actions. By adopting these practices from an early age, you can contribute significantly to joint health and prevent the development of osteoarthritis in adulthood.