1) Seeking Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Obtaining an early diagnosis is crucial to slowing or preventing further damage to joints. Leaving the diagnosis until later may add to the damage the joints sustain, thereby creating more pain. Recognise the early warning signs of arthritis, and visit your doctor if you have prolonged (more than two weeks) pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint. Be aware of any chronic aches and strains in your joints, and don't wait for your symptoms to worsen. If you experience chronic strain or pain, see your doctor.

2) Maintaining an Appropriate Weight
A connection has been established between being overweight and osteoarthritis of the knees, and possibly of the hips, ankles and hands, which undergo increased stress with increased weight. Losing extra pounds may significantly reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

3) Protecting Joints
Joint injuries caused by sports injury, accidents, or overuse, and repetitive strain can cause trauma to joints, contributing to osteoarthritis later in life. Reduce any repetitive straining, and practice proper body mechanics. Keeping your muscles strong may help to reduce the risk of wear and protect the joints. Regular flexing exercises help to lubricate your joints and protect them.

4) Exercise
Regular exercise helps to keep bones, joints and muscles healthy. There are many activities that are safe for the joints, especially swimming, walking, and yoga. Be sure to warm up your joints, practise strengthening exercises, and use the appropriate equipment to prevent injury or damage. Building muscle through weight-training exercise may help to decrease your risk of arthritis. Weights build denser bones, strenthens muscles, ligaments and tendons around the joints.

5) Diet

Beware of dehydration! 70% of your cartilage is made of water, and dehydration may contribute to degeneration of the joints. Some research suggests that supplements such as vitamin C or D, and glucosamine with chondroitin may help with arthritis symptoms, and new studies suggest green tea may have helpful protective elements. [link]

6) Preventing infectious disease

Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and associated arthritis. Be sure to protect yourself in tick season by using repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Removing ticks yourself increases the risk of infection, so be sure to have a professional assist you if you do get bitten by a tick.