Women and Osteoarthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 15.3 million women suffer from osteoarhtritis (OA), approximately three fourths of all cases. Sadly the risks of developing it gets worse with age. Women 65 and over are twice as likely to develop OA of the knee then men their age.


The exact reason why women are at risk is still unknown. It has been speculated that the effects of decreased estrogen while going through and after menopause may be one cause. Some research has shown that postmenopausal women who have taken estrogn (HRT) for five years or more develop more protective knee cartilage than those who don't, but before you run out to talk to your doctor about HRT, know that studies show that estrogen itself does not prevent OA and continous HRT therapy raises your risk of breast cancer and heart disease.


So what can you do - following you'll find some simple advice to help those with OA and reduce the risk of development for those who don't have it.


EXERCISE - Exercising for strength and endurance can decrease your risk of OA. Having weak thigh and quadricep muscles can also contribute to OA. Start slow and work your way into a low intensity/impact workout.


CHANGE YOUR SHOES - Don't just think that wearing stiletto high heels are the problem, because actually it's the other way around. Wider heels cause more damage because they are more comfortable and you are more likely to wear them longer, putting yourself at greater risk. Try to avoid high heels completely and add cushion wedges to your shoes to ease the stress on your knees.


ADD MORE YELLOW AND ORANGE - No it's not some type of new age meditaion, but the color of vegetables and fruits you should be eating the most.Vegetables and fruits of these colors are full of antioxidants that help protect us from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Choose fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches, sweet potatoes squash and apricots.


CONSULTATION - Finally arrange for a consultation with a doctor you trust and throughly discuss the pros and cons of HRT therapy and if you're a candidate for joint replacement surgery. There's no need to live in pain - To Your Health