Overeating.
Excessive consumption of food and products with a high amount of additives can harm our joints. Obesity not only increases the risk of developing diseases but also accelerates their progression. Nearly 70% of patients requiring knee joint replacement suffer from obesity. Therefore, it is advisable to choose locally produced products. Goods transported from afar may be not very fresh, as they contain a high amount of food additives for prolonged storage.
Kneeling.
Constantly bending the knees leads to gradual wear of the knee joint and doubles the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Chinese researchers found that 40% of men and 68% of women who sit on their knees for at least one hour a day develop various joint diseases between the femur and the kneecap by the age of 60. In general, it’s advisable to diversify your movements to maintain your health.
Prolonged standing or frequent stair climbing.
People who stand for long periods or frequently climb stairs are at increased risk of developing hip osteoarthritis and damage to the hip joints. Although climbing stairs is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, such movements are still not natural. Therefore, such movements can be one of the causes of pain and discomfort in the joints. If your job involves prolonged standing, try to sit down whenever possible. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand at all, but it refers to daily hours of standing.
Smoking.
Smokers are at risk for many diseases, including joint damage from conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory disease that produces antibodies attacking the body’s own tissues), rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue) and psoriasis. The quantity of cigarettes smoked daily also matters; the more you smoke, the higher the risk of autoimmune joint damage. The risk increases with a poor family history. If any of your relatives have had joint problems, your risk of developing a disease increases 7.5 times if you smoke. Even without a predisposition, this harmful habit raises the risk of pathology by 2.4 times.
Certain sports.
Regular physical activity is essential for heart function, immune support, overall well-being and mental health. However, engaging in exercises with heavy weights can worsen joint conditions. When visiting gyms, opt for moderate loads and always warm up before workouts. Studies show that moderate physical activity, including running, does not lead to joint wear. But if you have already been diagnosed with the initial stage of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it is advisable to engage in therapeutic walking rather than running. To reduce pain and do sports, consult a doctor who can explain how to perform exercises without harming your joints and prescribe the necessary medications (for example Muvera, Reactin SR) and gels (for example Voltaren Emulgel). Generally, joint deterioration from stress and repetitive injuries occurs in professional tennis players, athletes, soccer players and basketball players.