RESEARCH - OA may be prevented by avoiding high-impact activity

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Osteoarthritis May Be Prevented By Light Exercise

MedicalNewsToday.com

Article Date: 29 Nov 2010 - 2:00 PST

People at risk for osteoarthritis may be able to delay the onset of

the disease or even prevent it with simple changes to their physical

activity, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the

Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

" According to the results of our study, participating in a high-impact

activity, such as running, more than one hour per day at least three

times a week appears associated with more degenerated cartilage and

potentially a higher risk for development of osteoarthritis, " said the

study's senior author M. Link, M.D., professor of radiology and

chief of musculoskeletal imaging at the University of California, San

Francisco (UCSF). " On the other hand, engaging in light exercise and

refraining from frequent knee-bending activities may protect against

the onset of the disease. "

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain,

swelling and stiffness. According to the National Institute of

Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, osteoarthritis is the

most common form of arthritis and affects an estimated 27 million

Americans over the age of 25.

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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/209457.php

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