Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons why US Army soldiers are discharged. Multimedia service news outlet Stars and Stripes reports that soldiers are developing the condition at much higher rates and at younger ages than civilians, mainly due to having to meet strenuous physical demands on a regular basis, causing knee, elbow, back, and ankle problems. There is little a serving soldier can do to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis except for trying to learn proper body mechanics to prevent poor posture and strain during strenuous activity. Soldiers who are already battling the condition are advised to avoid lifting heavy objects and to refrain from any other activities that may exacerbate the problem.