There's no 'right' age to get arthritis. But by being alert, you can prevent it. Arthritis is a disease that includes a group of disorders that affect your joints and muscles. Its symptoms include joint pain, inflammation annd limited movement of joints. Arthritis is not just one disease; it is a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common froms are- osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

OSTEOARTHRITIS: Is the most common form of arthritis. it generally occurs with aging, but can affect young adults.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: Is the most common form affecting young people. It produces joint inflammation as a result of the body's immune system attacking the tissues surrounding the joint, and also affects other body systems.

TIPS TO PREVENT EARLY ARTHRITIS:

1. Rest and exercise: People with rheumatoid arthritis need a good balance between rest and exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles, preserving joint mobility, and maintaining flexibility. Exercise can also help people sleep well, reduce pain, maintain a positive attitude, and lose weight.

2. Planning your day:  Set your goals, prioritise for the day. Don't put a time limit on each task, just complete it and then move on to the next one. Don't get frustrated if you do not finish all the tasks you have set for yourself.

3. Healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet is important for good health, which in turn will help your body cope with the extra stress of arthritis. A diet high in fibre and fresh unprocessed foods is a good start. Keeping your weight within the normal range for your height and age will prevent extra strain on your joints.

4. Control obesity: Arthritis gets worse more rapidly in overweight/obese individuals. If you lose five to ten pounds, it considerably lightens the load on all of your weight-bearing joints- hips, knees, ankles and feet.

5. Lifestyle change: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and heart disease. It can also lead to the development of arthritis. After all, joints need to move in order to stay healthy and not get 'rusty', so to prevent arthritis, be active throughout every stage of your life.

6. Reduce physical labour: Try to reduce the amount of hard physical labour you do, as continuous physical labour can be a factor in the development of arthritis symptoms.