Since the missed opportunities in first 20 years of life can be particularly crucial for later signs of wear and tear, prevention should be started in early childhood. Regular exercise, with moderate increases in heart rate such as hiking, swimming, cycling or cross-country skiing can prevent joint disorders later on.

Diet also plays a role. The "Bone and Joint Decade" initiative of the World Health Organisation recommends regular fasting and the switching, if possible, to a vegetarian diet if osteoarthritis is already present. As a preventative measure, the consumption of meat should be restricted and, for example, more fish should be eaten as a source of protein.

A careful diet and sufficient exercise also help to avoid becoming overweight and thus also reduce another risk for joint diseases. For example, a weight reduction of 5.5 kg halves the probability of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.

And what about drugs and dietary supplements for prevention?
There is to date no scientific proof of the success of the various "cartilage-building products", the constituents of which range from gelatin to herbal ingredients and to the widest possible variety of things. In particular, there is no evidence that they affect the progression of cartilage loss - likewise, the daily consumption of collagen hydrolysates. However, those affected often report benefits.