Did you know that over 32.5 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis?

Although this condition becomes more common as we age, it can be prevented and managed. If you're worried about developing osteoarthritis, adopting good habits while you're young is a great place to start.

Are you curious about learning how to prevent osteoarthritis? Keep reading for five important lifestyle changes you can make.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Since osteoarthritis results in stiff and painful joints, one of the most effective osteoarthritis prevention tips is to maintain a healthy weight.

If you're currently overweight, your body has to work harder to carry out physical tasks, which puts stress on your joints. The key to losing weight (and keeping it off) is to make sustainable lifestyle changes instead of trying fad diets or exercises.

2. Do Strengthening Exercises

Exercise is also essential for osteoarthritis prevention because muscle mass supports your bones and joints. Cardio is a great way to burn calories, but you shouldn't forget about weight training activities, too.

If you're not the type of person who enjoys lifting weights at the gym, there are plenty of easy bodyweight exercises you can do at home to build muscle.

3. Avoid or Treat Any Injuries

If you want to help stop osteoarthritis, you need to take injuries seriously. It's best to avoid getting injured altogether so your joints don't have to suffer from any trauma. Stretching and respecting your body's limits during exercise is a simple way to prevent getting hurt.

If you do get injured, make sure you do everything you can to allow the injury to heal properly. This could involve going to the doctor, applying ice or heat, resting, doing strength training exercises, and seeing a physical therapist.

4. Eat a Wholesome Diet

Out of all of the tips for preventing osteoarthritis, improving your diet can be one of the most challenging lifestyle changes to make.

In our fast-paced society, it's understandable why so many adults can't remember to eat multiple servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Taking the time to figure out how you can incorporate more healthy foods into your diet is always worth the investment, though.

By supplying your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs, you'll not only avoid serious conditions like osteoarthritis, but you'll also notice that you have lots more energy, sleep better, and feel less stressed.

5. Quit Smoking

Another effective way you can help prevent osteoarthritis is to quit smoking. Do your best to avoid secondhand smoke as well.

Smoking is one of the unhealthiest habits because it affects so many different functions in the body. The toxins found in cigarette smoke can make it difficult for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay vibrant, so quitting smoking can have a huge impact on your wellbeing.

Now You Know How to Prevent Osteoarthritis

If you follow these five tips on how to prevent osteoarthritis, you can make your health your top priority.

Do you want to know other ways you can adopt a more mindful lifestyle? Make sure you explore the rest of our site to find more helpful wellness guides.