Osteoarthritis is called wear-and-tear arthritis because it is a result of using joints every day. The older a person gets, the greater the wear-and-tear. Some risk factors of osteoarthritis include hereditary, age, gender, diet, and lifestyle factors. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but you can manage symptoms and reduce risk factors. If you do develop osteoarthritis, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to slow the course of the disease.

1) Avoid kneeling and squatting

2) Leg extensions work your quadriceps muscles located on the front of your thigh.

Sit in a chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your right foot off the floor by straightening your knee. Pause at the top of the movement, squeezing your quadriceps muscles. Lower your foot back to the floor and repeat the extension with your left leg. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions per leg. You can increase the workload by placing a sandbag on your ankles.

3) Maintain your ideal body weight

4) Low-impact exercise can improve joint health

e.g. swimming, walking, and riding a bicycle

5) For elderly, avoid climbing stairs

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee often develop slowly and worsen over time. You should consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms

• Pain when you are walking or climbing stairs
• Pain when laying down
• Periodic inflammation
• Stiffness after a period of inactivity
• Knees becoming bent and bowed
• Crepitus – a creaking, crunching, grinding sensation when you move the joint

Overweight, joint injuries, steroids, and gout/rheumatoid medications are factors that may increase your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. Changing lifestyle can help prevent the condition.