3 Tips for Preventing Arthritis

 What causes arthritis?

For degenerative arthritis caused by bone rubbing on bone, risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury.

For other types of arthritis, genetics and the body’s natural processes are to blame for the inflammation.

Hear the difference between Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis from Dr. DiGioia in the video below.

"What are the differences between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis?" Dr. DiGioia explains what you “kneed” to know!

Preventing Arthritis

Arthritis that is caused by genetics and how the body naturally functions unfortunately cannot be prevented. Degenerative arthritis, however, can be prevented. Certain lifestyle choices can decrease the risk for degenerative arthritis and slow the progression.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Dr. DiGioia explains why your weight is important to keeping your joints healthy.

Dr. D explains the effect that weight has on the progression of arthritis, and how maintaining a healthy weight can bring several benefits to arthritis patients, especially those preparing for a joint replacement surgery.

2. Eat a balanced diet

Get some tips on healthy eating from Dr. DiGioia and UPMC dietician Krista Schreiber.

UPMC dietician Krista Schreiber, MS, RD, LDN and my daughter, Angela DeVanney, join Dr. D to discuss how diet and BMI play a role in total joint replacement surgery.

3. Strengthen your muscles

Hear about the benefits of regularly exercising from Physical Therapist Whitney Patton.

Move to Mobility - Series 2: Maintaining An Active Lifestyle

This group is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional.