People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop arthritis. Research has shown that for every pound that you weigh, your knees have 4 pounds of stress on them. Extra weight also burdens joints in your hips, back, and feet. Additional weight places increased strain and wear and tear on your joints. In addition to the physical stress that increased weight places on joints, fat secretes inflammatory chemicals that may also cause joint pain and increase the risk of arthritis and other chronic conditions. Some types of inflammatory molecules may promote the development of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), two conditions that affect joints. Osteoarthritis is the so-called “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis where cartilage is damaged in the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and damages joints.

Texting stresses joints in your hands, especially your thumbs. Texting with your thumbs puts them in awkward and often hyperextended positions that irritate the tendons. Texting with your thumbs places 12 times the pressure on thumb joints that it does on the tips of the thumbs. Experts say your thumbs are responsible for 60 percent of the functioning of your hands. So, you need your thumbs in good working order! Minimize thumb texting or use the voice function to keep texting hands free. Texting can be bad for your shoulders and neck, too. Hunching over to look at your phone while texting stresses your neck and shoulders. Bending your neck all the way forward so your chin is touching your chest places a tremendous amount of strain on your neck.

High heels place your feet in an awkward position that stresses joints, strains muscles, and can throw your back out of alignment. Wearing heels makes your

thigh muscles work harder to keep your knees straight. It also places dangerous twisting forces on your knees. Women who wear heels daily may increase their risk of developing ost

eoarthritis and foot pain. High heels, sandals, and slippers are considered poor shoes because they provide inadequate support for feet. Swap high heels and other poor shoe styles for supportive walking shoes or sneakers to keep foot, knee, and back pain at bay.