It’s common knowledge that arthritis is a debilitating condition. But did you know many factors trigger the disease? And while some triggers such as age and genetics can’t be changed, others like diet and lifestyle choices can either worsen or improve your risk of developing this painful condition. In Arlington, Virginia, arthritis specialists can guide you on avoiding the triggers and relieve the symptoms. Look for Arlington arthritis experts who plan their services well. Here are seven triggers for arthritis:
- Overweight and Obesity
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for developing arthritis. Fat cells secrete substances that trigger inflammation in your body and contribute to the development of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research has also shown that these same chemicals cause bone loss and deterioration, leading to impaired mobility and impaired quality of life.
- Inactivity
Physical activity is a great way to reduce your risk of arthritis as it strengthens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments which support your joints. In addition, research suggests regular exercise can also improve mood and lower heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure.
Sedentary lifestyles are associated with obesity which increases your risk of arthritis. But inactivity can also lead to joint inflammation, muscle weakness, and chronic low back pain, all factors which could increase your likelihood of developing arthritis.
- Poor Diet
A healthy diet is a key to preventing or managing arthritis. In particular, foods high in sugar promote the development of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis – so it’s vital to cut back on processed foods and sugary drinks. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and improve joint function. So include plenty of oily fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet.
- Smoking
Smoking is a known risk factor for developing arthritis, as it increases inflammation and damaged joint cartilage. Smokers are up to three times more likely to develop arthritis than non-smokers. Though quitting smoking reduces your risk of developing arthritis, if you already have the condition, then quitting will also help to ease your symptoms.
- Age
While age is an unavoidable risk factor for many diseases, research suggests being underweight in childhood can increase your risk of suffering from osteoarthritis later in life. On the other hand, your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis increases as you get older. This is thought to be because our immune system becomes less effective at fighting off infection as we age.
- Environmental Factors
Some environmental factors, such as exposure to silica dust or certain antibiotics, can trigger arthritis. If you work in a dusty environment or are regularly exposed to chemicals, it’s a good idea to wear a mask or protective clothing.
- Family History
If your parents have arthritis, you are more likely to develop the condition. But don’t let this discourage you from leading an active life; getting out and about can strengthen the muscles that support your joints.
Many factors trigger arthritis. The good news is, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing this painful condition by making some lifestyle changes and eliminating specific triggers in your life. For instance, if you need help quitting smoking or reducing the amount of time spent sitting down each day, talk to an expert today about how they can manage arthritis symptoms.
