Osteoarthritis — dubbed the “wear-and-tear” arthritis — is the most common type of arthritis. This degenerative joint disease occurs when cartilage, a smooth material that cushions the ends of your bones and keeps your bones from rubbing against each other, wears down. As the cartilage wears away, it causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Unfortunately, it disproportionately affects women. For example, women are 350% more likely to develop hand arthritis, 10% more likely to develop hip arthritis, and 40% more likely to develop knee arthritis than men.
Below, Dr. Dustin Hamoy explains why women are more prone to arthritis and how the Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center team can help you find relief from arthritis.
That’s a great question! Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, especially after they reach age 50. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including:
The risk of arthritis in women increases after menopause. Specifically, the risk of knee, hip, and hand arthritis rapidly increases between the ages of 50 and 75.
The dip in estrogen that’s associated with menopause can also increase your risk of post-menopausal weight gain, and weight gain can further increase your risk of arthritis in weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and ankles.
On average, women gain about one pound per year during their transition into menopause, and about 20% of women gain 10 pounds throughout that process.
For example, if you gain one additional pound, that’s four pounds of stress on your knees.
Women's hips, knees, and hands tend to have different alignment and stress points. Women have less cartilage volume and looser ligaments compared to men. This can contribute to more wear and tear on your joints.
Family history can play a role in developing arthritis, meaning if your mother or grandmother suffered from it, your chances may be higher.
Though there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many ways to manage it and maintain your quality of life. Consider these strategies:
When your joints are stiff, you might not feel like exercising, but the reality is that staying active is one of the best ways to manage arthritis. Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, tai chi, walking, and cycling can strengthen muscles around your joints and improve flexibility.
Gaining weight puts pressure on your joints, but the opposite is also true. If you lose weight, it can take stress off your joints. Losing one pound, for example, takes off four pounds of pressure on your knees.
Exercise and healthy eating can help you achieve this goal.
Working with a physical therapist here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center can improve joint function through targeted exercises and therapies.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription medications can help manage symptoms. Some people also receive corticosteroids via joint injections to help with pain and swelling.
Wearing supportive shoes, using joint braces, and practicing proper body mechanics can prevent further joint damage.
When your joints are stiff, a heating pad or warm compress can help loosen them. On the other hand, when your joints are swollen and achy, you might benefit from cold therapy.
Food won’t cure your arthritis, but it can help in a few ways. Eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation in your body.
What you eat can also help you maintain a healthy weight and give you energy for your workouts.
If you're experiencing ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, don’t hesitate to visit us here in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Dr. Dustin Hamoy can confirm that osteoarthritis is the source of your troubles and can then shape your treatment plan.
He may suggest multi-wave locked system (MLS®) laser therapy for your arthritis. MLS laser therapy is a light energy-based treatment that:
If you suspect that you have arthritis (or already know that you have it), schedule your appointment today and find out if MLS laser therapy is right for you.
Questions? Give us a ring at 659-204-5737.
