1-2 minute quick reads for healthier living!

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An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting billions of people around the world. It is the most common form of disability in the United States. A misconception is the idea that this form of arthritis is only caused by growing older. Once you get old enough, this problem shows up. But this is false. There are many reasons for developing osteoarthritis in young people. OA is being recognized in younger and younger individuals. Learning what causes OA in younger individuals has great consequences for our country. Beside for the emotional cost associated with disability is the physical expense of a whole generation of younger individuals who will not be able to reach their full potential.

Some important medical research has identified some of the factors that predispose individuals to the early onset of joint degeneration. Trauma to a joint can cause abnormal pressures to be placed on joint parts. These abnormal pressures result in premature wearing of joint cartilage. The loss of cartilage jet propels the progression to osteoarthritis. Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a major stabilizer of the knee joint, is an increasing problem in young female athletes. Proper training for strengthening leg muscles can decrease the risk for joint damage. Also, proper treatment to promote ACL tear repair once injuries have occurred is essential to preventing premature progression to osteoarthritis.

Obesity affects 25% of the US population. Younger individuals are included in this epidemic. Obesity can cause the development of arthritis for a number of reasons. Excessive weight puts on increased mechanical forces on joints. For example, a pound of weight is multiplied by 4 going up the stairs and 7 going down. That is how small amount of weight loss can have a beneficial effect of joint complaints. Also, fat is an inflammatory tissue. Fat releases inflammatory factors that are detrimental to joint structures. So mechanical and inflammatory factors of obesity promote osteoarthritis.

Research dollars to support investigations to prevent this disabling disease have not been proportionate to the number of individuals affected. The National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies have entered into agreements to promote osteoarthritis research – to identify causes and develop cures for this disabling disease. Public support of these efforts can result in more effective treatments and decrease in disability.

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