Your joints play a vital role in your body. They connect bones, provide support, and help you move. When joints are damaged, either by injury or disease, it can cause significant discomfort and loss of function. Consider these tips to help prevent joint trouble.
1. Be mindful of bad mechanics. Carrying a heavy purse, sitting at your desk with poor posture, looking down at your phone for prolonged periods, and even wearing the wrong types of shoes can all have detrimental impacts on your joints and cause what we refer to as a “repetitive stress injury.” (Check out these tips on proper workstation set-up.)
2. Watch your weight. Extra pounds will add extra stress to your joints - causing them to wear faster. Joints in the knees, hips, and ankles are especially at risk.
3. Incorporate low-impact exercises into your routine. Swimming, cycling, yoga, and walking are all activities that are relatively joint-friendly and will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Be sure to include strength training as well. Strong muscles help support your joints and protect them from daily stressors.
4. Don’t Smoke. Another harmful habit to consider ditching is smoking. Research shows that individuals who smoke have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis and other bone problems.
5. Eat a nutrient-dense diet. Not only will eating healthy help ward off unwanted weight, but nutritious foods can also help fight inflammation. For more advice on how to clean up your diet, check out this nutrition infographic.
Joint pain becomes more common as we age, so early attention is crucial. Be sure to get help when you need it. If you’re experiencing joint pain, give our office a call. We can help you identify the culprit and start a treatment plan that will get you back on track.
