There are no real methods for preventing the development of osteoarthritis. However, following certain preventive measures may slow its progression. Such measures include:

Maintain an Appropriate Weight

Keep your weight in an appropriate range for your age, height, and body type. Carrying excess body weight can put increased stress [11] on your bones [12] and joints [12]. By maintaining a healthful weight, you can reduce the stress [11] on your body.

Avoid Certain Activities

Although exercise [13] is good for your body, you may want to avoid activities that might injure your joints [12] or that require intense, repetitive joint motion, or repetitive stress [11] on “at risk” joints [12].

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a healthful diet is crucial to bone [12] and joint health [14]. Eat a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamins C and D.

Begin an Exercise Program

Participating in a safe exercise [13] program will strengthen your muscles [12], which will help support and stabilize your joints [12]. And these muscles [12] help to absorb some of the energy, or "shock," delivered to the limb.