Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect many joints in the body. It is a type of arthritis that can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can lead to reduced mobility and discomfort.

There are some preventative measures that can be taken to help protect your joints from developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Exercise regularly

Sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis, so you want to stay active. Regular exercise can strengthen your muscles, improve joint flexibility, and reduce the risk of developing arthritis.

Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking are perfect options. You can also try yoga or Pilates that are geared towards reduced joint movement and increased flexibility.

Eat a healthy diet

Your diet can play a significant role in the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce inflammation in the body and support overall joint health.

Some specific foods to include are wild salmon, blueberries, spinach, olive oil, and turmeric.

Manage stress

Stress can cause inflammation in the body, which can put you at increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis. To help protect your joints from this condition, it’s essential to manage your stress levels.

Try to find relaxation techniques that work for you, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or massage therapy.

Avoid smoking

Smoking is detrimental to your overall health, but it can also increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Nicotine can damage the connective tissues in your joints, which can lead to inflammation and joint pain.

If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit smoking to protect your joints and your overall health.

Get enough sleep

A lack of sleep can have negative effects on the body, including inflammation. Sleep is crucial in repairing joint tissues that work hard all day long.

Additionally, joint pain can cause insomnia and make it more difficult to get a good night’s rest, perpetuate pain and inflammation. Try to establish a regular sleep pattern or visit a sleep therapist if insomnia becomes an issue for you.

Take steps to improve overall joint health

Even without arthritis, our joints need protection. There are some things you can do to improve overall joint health:.

Avoid repetitive movement
Warm up and stretch joints before exercising
Take frequent breaks during periods of prolonged sitting
Avoid positions that cause joint pain or discomfort
Maintain good posture when sitting and standing

Manage your weight

Excess weight puts more strain on your joints, and can lead to joint damage over time.

By losing even a little bit of weight, you can reduce the amount of stress on your joints, which can reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and other joint problems.

Monitor your joint health

If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms that may suggest rheumatoid arthritis, it’s essential to speak with your doctor or a qualified rheumatologist.

The sooner you get diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of protecting your joints and reducing your symptoms.

Stay positive

Be persistent and patient in making healthy changes to your lifestyle. Accepting that it takes time to see results is key. Keep a positive attitude and always work towards improvement, and you’ll be on the road to keeping your joints healthy.