Arthritis is not something many young athletes worry about. And that lack of concern is not surprising, as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that arthritis affects just 3.6 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 34 compared to 54 percent of adults age 75 and older.

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, but data indicates it’s most likely to be diagnosed in aging adults. But that doesn’t mean young athletes can’t start thinking about arthritis, including what they can do to reduce their risk for a condition that’s marked by joint pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion, among other symptoms. A preventive approach to arthritis may help young athletes protect their bodies against a condition that can be painful and adversely affect quality of life.

• Avoid repetitive stress. An increased emphasis on specialization in youth sports could be setting young athletes up for an arthritis diagnosis down the road. According to the Cleveland Clinic, overuse injuries account for more than half of all medical visits by young athletes. Cross training by playing multiple sports per year instead of playing a single sport all year can help young athletes avoid repetitive strain injuries that can lead to arthritis.

• Emphasize proper form and technique when exercising and competing. Poor form when performing exercises in a gym or when playing a sport can place joints under duress. The stress of poor form and improper technique can add up over time and make young athletes more vulnerable to injury in the short-term and increase their risk for arthritis over the long haul.

• Stay hydrated. The Texas-based ortrhopedics group Orthopedic Associates notes that 70 to 80 percent of joint cartilage consists of water. Sufficient hydration ensures the joints are lubricated and shock-absorbent. Staying hydrated while exercising and competing protects the joints from injury, and that preventive approach can affect arthritis risk. Hackensack Meridian Health reports that athletes who take measures to protect their joints can reduce osteoarthritis risk or limit its progression as they grow older.

• Incorporate rest into your routine. Many young athletes are passionate about their sport, but it’s vital that they don’t take that passion too far. Overtraining can increase injury risk in the short-term and may elevate arthritis risk down the road, as rest is necessary to allow the body to heal and repair itself.