Are You Asking for Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, and it results from either injury or wear and tear on your joints. If your hips or knees ache when you climb out of bed in the morning, and you were a jock or a dancer in high school or college, it’s all but guaranteed that OA is the culprit.

But you don’t have to be a hung-ho athlete to put yourself at high risk for developing OA. There could be potent dangers lurking in your everyday routine. Like these, for example:

The shoes you wear. If you opt for high heels day in and day out — whether they’re pencil-thin stilettos or chunkier versions — you’re all but begging for OA in your knees. Plus, high-heeled shoes (or boots) that are pointy or tight can also lead to arthritis of the toes. Wearing dress-up pumps on special occasions isn’t likely to cause damage, but for daily wear, choose footgear with ample toe room and sturdy heels that are no more than 1 to 2 inches high.

The loads you tote. Walking with heavy bags in your hands, with your arms stretched downward, puts an undue strain on shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers. So when your shopping haul weighs any more than a couple of pounds, cradle the bag in both arms, or use one or two long-handled canvas sacks slung over your shoulder(s).

The pounds you pack. Obesity is the leading cause of OA because excess weight puts enormous stress on your knees and hips. Shedding just 10 pounds eases the stress on each knee by a full 40 pounds!

The moves you don’t make. Couch potatoes are prime targets for OA. Even if you’re not overweight, regular physical activity is a must for strengthening the muscles that support your joints — and keeping the joints themselves flexible. But there is one caveat: Running, especially on hard pavement, is murder on your knees. So opt for more easygoing activities, such as walking, yoga, or even bowling.