THE RHEUMATOLOGIST

‘Osteoarthritis is generally age-related, and more than half of over-50s have some degree of the condition,’ says

Dr Rod Hughes, consultant rheumatologist. ‘Wear and tear causes the lubricating cartilage lining in the joint to gradually wear away, and this is what leads to inflammation, difficulty moving around and considerable pain.’ While your risk of osteoarthritis is largely determined by your genes, your lifestyle can have a big impact.

ROD SUGGESTS:

Watch your weight A healthy BMI (18.524.9) is essential to prevent pressure and damage to weight-bearing joints in your back, hips and knees. Calculate it at nhs.uk Try a supplement The naturally antiinflammatory rosehip extract may help to soothe pain caused by osteoarthritis.** Don’t forget to drink Water helps to keep tendons and muscles hydrated and moving smoothly – and it’s free from the tap!

✱ Exercise will not wear your joints out faster, but an untreated sports injury can sometimes bring on osteoarthritis, so get any niggles checked out and protect yourself with warm-up stretches.