Osteoarthritis

• Fact: One out of every three seniors suffers from osteoarthritis, as do many people in their 40s and 50s.
• How much risk is in your genes: 61 percent for men and 54 percent for women.
• What you can do: Knowing you’re at risk for osteoarthritis may enable you to make lifestyle changes to lessen the environmental risks that contribute to this disease. Our genetic testing service can help you determine the extent of your genetic risk. Those who do develop arthritis can consider medical treatments that can relieve pain and help them remain active.
• Did you know? People who lost 11 pounds in one study had their risk of developing knee osteoarthritis reduced by almost half.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the joint cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Ultimately, you may end up with bone rubbing on bone, a painful and sometimes debilitating situation.

The disease affects nearly 27 million American adults, usually after the age of 40. As many as a third of arthritis sufferers will eventually experience significant disability, finding it difficult to get to work or to go about everyday activities.

Osteoarthritis results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors, though the majority of the risk of osteoarthritis is due to your genes. Knowing from a genetic test that you have a predisposition could enable you and your doctor to pay close attention to any potential symptoms, resulting in early diagnosis. Prompt treatment can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and minimize pain.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are not an inevitable part of aging. You can reduce the wear and tear on your joints through lifestyle changes.

Many different strategies have been shown to help prevent arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors. Doctors also recommend you wear appropriate protective gear while participating in sports. If you ever have a joint injury, be sure to have it treated promptly.