By Dan Hutson, Student Physical Therapist

And why is arthritis prevention important for you to know?

It literally means “inflammation of the joint”

There are MANY types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a non-inflammatory arthritis that results from cartilage break down within a joint

Picture accessed from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00389

OA affects up to 33 million Americans, making it the NUMBER ONE cause of disability

OA is preventable!

Prevention needs to start at a young age for positive, long-term effects to occur

But…

3 Major Risk Factors

1. Obesity

2. Improper Body Mechanics

3. History of Injury

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week is recommended

Eat foods that are nutrient rich and low in fats and added sugars

“Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork.”~English Proverb

Your knees should stay in line with your shoulders and stay behind your toes while your back should not curl inward or outward

Similar to a squat, but you should keep your forward knee from collapsing inward

Very important to keep stance leg’s knee from wobbling

Regular squats must be mastered first in order to do this properly

Some sport injuries are still unpreventable

But…

The majority of knee injuries are not caused by a collision

The majority of knee injuries occur when the knee is planted on the ground and the person “cuts” or changes direction too quickly

The risk of this type of injury can be lowered with proper exercise as well as balance and agility training

Challenging your balance

Agility Training

Quality of movement must come first!

“Today’s young athletes may become tomorrow’s osteoarthritis patients unless parents and coaches take an active role in sports-injury prevention.”

- John Klippel, MD and President of Arthritis Foundation

The chance of having OA as an adult can be greatly diminished by decreasing the 3 major risk factors in your life:

1. Obesity

2. Improper Body Mechanics

3. Injury

And…

Prevention should start at a young age!