How to avoid osteoarthritis: Smoke cigarettes for a half-century

As you age, you have several of options for avoiding severe osteoarthritis (the gradual loss of cartilage in the joints).

1) You can stay slim. (Obesity can be very hard on the hips and knees.)

2) You can avoid repeated strenuous activity, such as running marathons. Again — tough on the hips and knees.

3) Or you can start smoking as a teen and continue that right through your later years.

Several studies have revealed a link between cigarette smoking and reduced risk of osteoarthritis. Researchers don’t yet know how this happens, but apparently, there’s some component of cigarettes or maybe some aspect of a smoker’s lifestyle that may actually help maintain cartilage volume.

And now that link is confirmed again in a new study from Australia.

Researchers analyzed health records for 11,000 men past retirement age. Those who had smoked for more than 48 years were about 50 percent less likely to undergo total joint replacement of the knee or hip.

Not reported in the study: The percentages of half-century smokers who spoke through a robotic voice box, required round-the-clock oxygen, or were being treated for cancer and heart disease.

Sources:
“Smoking reduces need for joint replacement” Cigarettes Reporter, 7/8/11, cigarettesreporter.com

“Consumer Reports: Effective Alternative Therapies” Healthfax, 7/21/11, healthfax.com