Health Risks Osteoarthritis

Based on your genetics, your genetic predisposition for Osteoarthritis is

Low
13.98
0%
15.54
26.08
100%

What does this mean?

 Your genotypes indicate that you have low risk for osteoarthritis.

How Is Your Genetic Risk Calculated?

Your genetic risk assessment is

13.98

This result is based on the SNPs(single nucleotide polymorphism)that are associated with Osteoarthritis.

Genes
Your Genotype
What it means?
Genes: COL6A4P1
Your Genotype: GG
What it means? Typical
Genes: IL1B
Your Genotype: CC
What it means? Typical
!

Limitations

This report does not diagnose any health conditions or provide medical advice. This should not be used as a diagnostic tool.
This result is limited to existing scientific research.
Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (informally known as joint disease), which occurs when the cartilage (a cushioning surface or rubber like padding) that protects the ends of the bones at the joints, wears down over the time. This will cause the bone to rub against another bone, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness to the joint.

In healthy cartilage, there is a balance between buildup and breakdown of the tissue. This balance is lost in osteoarthritis, leading to cartilage damage and, over time, complete breakdown. Without the protection of the cartilage, bone damage occurs at the joint. In response, the body builds new bone, which leads to overgrowth and reduced mobility of the joints. In addition, the cartilage damage triggers an immune response, causing inflammation of other joint tissues and leading to further joint damage.

How It Affects Your Body

In healthy cartilage, there is a balance between buildup and breakdown of the tissue. This balance is lost in osteoarthritis, leading to cartilage damage and, over time, a complete breakdown.

Without the protection of the cartilage, bone damage occurs at the joint. In response, the body builds new bone, which leads to overgrowth and reduced mobility of the joints. In addition, the cartilage damage triggers an immune response, causing inflammation of other joint tissues and leading to further joint damage. The bone spurs and inflammation can severely impair function due to pain and reduced mobility.

Symptoms

Risk Factors Can Influence The Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis

Genetics are NOT the only risk factor for Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Now that you have learnt about your genetic risk, you can determine how aggressively you need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
The earlier in your life that you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, the more you can reduce your risk for or delay the development of Osteoarthritis.

Injury

Significant injury, such as ligament damage, joint dislocation, and impact trauma can eventually lead to osteoarthritis.

Gender

Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, compared to men.

Weight

Excessive weight can put stress on joints and promote cartilage damage.

Age

Osteoarthritis is more common among the elderly, but even young adults can develop osteoarthritis.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Dietary Recommendations:

  1. Consume enough magnesium as it helps maintain and improve joint and cartilage health. Nuts and green, leafy vegetables are a great source of magnesium and other minerals.
  2. Some antioxidants, found in fruits and veggies like apples, onions, shallots, and strawberries, may also help reduce joint inflammation and pain.
  3. Increase dietary collagen intake to support joint health. Food rich in collagen are chicken, egg whites, fish, soy, and more.

Supplement Recommendations:

  1. Vitamin C aids collagen production required to maintain joint health. Incorporate daily vitamin supplementation to achieve daily requirements.
  2. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation has been found to improve cartilage health and recovery, protecting against osteoarthritis in some cases.

Lifestyle Recommendations:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis as the excess weight puts too much pressure on the joints and cartilages.
  2. Incorporate ergonomic practices to improve your posture. A proper posture reduces abnormal loads on the joints which reduces osteoarthritis risk.
  3. Try heat and ice therapy to alleviate joint soreness. This reduces inflammation in the joints to avoid joint damage.
  4. Use assistive devices such as braces for affected joints to reduce load and support healing.

Exercise Recommendations:

  1. Strengthening the muscles with weight training will support and protect your joints. If your joints are painful or swollen it is recommended you take a rest day or two in between workouts.
  2. Practice proper exercise techniques to avoid excessive joint stress. Consult a physical trainer to ensure proper form.
  3. Low-impact aerobic exercises are lighter and easier on your joints, for example walking, bicycling, swimming. Try not to strain your joints.

Result Explanation Recommendations:

  1. Incorporate 30-60 minutes of medium intensity exercises at least 3 to 5 times a week. Examples of exercises are cycling, running, and competitive sports.
  2. Incorporate resistance training such as weight lifting and bodyweight exercises at least 3 times a week.
  3. Follow-up weight-training sessions with 30 minutes of cardio exercises such as cycling to improve fat-loss.
  4. Incorporate intense 30-60 minutes of swimming at least 4 times a week. Swimming has been shown to be the most efficient in burning calories and improving body composition.
  5. Consume a protein shake after training to both provide energy for recovery and suppress post-exercise hunger. This will reduce your need for a large meal after training.
  6. Consult a physical trainer to ensure adequate training technique and intensity is followed.
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