Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.

Prevention and management

Can arthritis be prevented?

There are things you can do to reduce your risk for getting certain types of arthritis or to reduce disability if you already have arthritis.

People who are overweight have a higher frequency of arthritis. Excess weight increases your risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk for this. In men, excess weight increases your risk for developing gout. It's important to maintain your recommended weight, especially as you get older.

What if you're already overweight? Research shows that middle-age and older women of average height who lose 11 pounds or more over 10 years cut their risk for developing knee osteoarthritis in half. To lose weight, try exercising and eating fewer calories on a healthy diet. If you're having trouble with weight control, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian for help.

Joint injuries caused by accidents or overuse increase your risk for some types of arthritis. You can also inherit certain genes that may increase your risk for some types of arthritis. More research is needed to find out how to reduce your risk from these factors.

Can arthritis be managed?

What can you do to maintain your independence if you already have arthritis? Studies show that exercise helps reduce the pain and fatigue of many different kinds of arthritis. Exercise keeps you moving, working and doing daily activities that help you remain independent.

It's also important to control your weight if you have knee osteoarthritis. Being overweight puts you at risk for worse disease, and for getting osteoarthritis in your other knee if only one is affected now.

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