Arthritis pain begins when it wears off cartilage; The rubbery cushion in the joints absorbs shock to the bones, allowing them to glide smoothly when we move. When there is not enough cartilage in the joint to protect it bones From damaging each other, we feel it. And that’s according to everydayhealth.
Why do women get arthritis more commonly? One reason may be physical differences between the sexes, for example, women have less knee cartilage than men. According to a recent report, knee replacement surgeries have more than tripled in women ages 45 to 64 over the past decade.
Women also have a higher risk of developing the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, than men, which experts believe may be due to hormonal differences. Women may also experience a greater burden of arthritis than men.
Ways to prevent arthritis in women
1. Maintain a good body weight. Excess body weight is one of the most common risk factors for developing arthritis. The more stress you put on your joints, the faster they will wear out.
Change your diet by adding fiber each day, eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while limiting refined carbohydrates and fats.
2. Do simple exercises regularly. According to Dr. Zashin, some activities may expose you to osteoporosis and arthritis pain. Long-distance running and soccer put a lot of stress on your joints and can wear down your cartilage
3. Avoid Injuries. While no one wants to be sidelined because of an injury, taking preventative steps helps protect your health today and may serve as a preventative against arthritis in the future. “Avoiding injury will reduce your risk of developing arthritis later in life.”
4. Check Your Vitamin D According to the National Institutes of Health, about 60 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, and women, especially African-American women and postmenopausal women, are especially likely to lack adequate levels.
5. Stay hydrated. Another reason to drink more water: prevent arthritis. The cartilage in our joints is made up mostly of water, which is what makes it such a great cushion for our joints. When we feel dehydrated, water is absorbed by the cartilage and it becomes easier to damage. Arthritis is very common in women, but now you can take some steps to prevent arthritis later or slow its progression.