- Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis allows for behavior modifications, which can lead to improved physical fitness and reduction in body weight-the only two interventions known to reduce the progression of joint damage.
- Certain types of inflammatory arthritis have known avoidable risk factors. For example, smoking cigarettes increases a person's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 1320%.
- While there is no known cure for arthritis, physical activity, weight and lifestyle management, and appropriate medication can dramatically improve quality of life and reduce the need for expensive medical interventions.
- By promoting healthy behaviours and ensuring access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, we can substantially reduce the high cost of arthritis to people, our health care system, and our economy.
Prevention