While osteoarthritis is not a hereditary disease per se, if you have a family member suffering from osteoarthritis, your chances of getting it grows. For one, your average weigh is affected by your genes and being overweight is only a short way from osteoarthritis. Also, you risk having this disease if you put one particular joint under a lot of stress for a long time.

The mechanism or osteoarthritis is very simple: the condition is really caused by wearing off the cartilage in the joints. Then, the bones to rub each other while the joint moves, which causes terrible pain, stiffness and finally inability to move the joint. Osteoarthritis is very common - over 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from it. While this arthritis affects mostly those over forty-five years old, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.

The good news is that while you may be predisponed to suffer from osteoarthritis, there is much you can do to make this disease to come later and in less severe form. The key to that is staying fit. First, you have to reduce your weight - every pound of fat you don't have on you is a few months more in good health. That's why a healthy diet is a must. Then, you need a lot of cardiovascular exercises. They will help you keep a stable weight. More importantly however, keeping your muscles in good shape is essential to reduce the amount of stress put to the joint's cartilage. Do not overexert yourself though, especially if your joints are already aching. The point is to strengthen the muscles, not to stress your joints too much. Also, make sure that your joints - especially wrists and knees - are protected. Injury,

The one thing that many people forge about is the need of Omega-3 rich diet. These fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and in flax, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects as well as for their ability to reduce the soreness of the joints affected by osteoarthritis. They are commonly recommended by doctors both for those who already have osteoarthritis and for those who are at risk of having one. As the normal diet does not usually contain enough Omega-3 fatty acids, food supplements such as Omega Daily are often necessary to assure the proper daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

The pain and stiffness are two first signs of osteoarthritis. Do not ignore them! Go to the doctor as soon as you notice stiffness in the joints.