Tips For Maintaining Healthy Joints


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Joint pain can affect more than the elderly. Once joint pain starts it is important to do your best to prevent further problems from developing. This blog is dedicated to both those who already are dealing with joint pain, and those who are looking to prevent joint pain from happening in the future. We hope you find our tips helpful and be sure to add in your favorite tips for healthy joints in the comments below.

Movement And Exercise
Always remember that the more you move around the less stiffness you will have. Moving around periodically throughout the day is essential to maintaining healthy joints. If you work in an office where you are sitting or driving all day long, make sure you take the time for breaks, even if it is only for a brief walk. Exercise is also important. Doing low-impact exercises are great for those suffering with joint pain. Try walking, biking, and swimming. Also, make sure to pay attention to your body’s signals, like pain or fatigue, during exercise. Soreness after exercise is usually not cause for concern, but if your pain lasts for an excessively long time, take a break and give your muscles a rest.

Ice
Using ice is a free and easy way to help numb the pain associated with joint pains. A cold pack used for 20 minutes can be done as often as needed. Don’t apply ice onto the skin, make sure you have something in between. If you don’t there is the chance for getting frostbite.

Perfect Your Posture
When you sit and stand straight you are helping to protect your joints throughout the body. If your posture starts to suffer throughout the day take a break and walk. Fast walking can help to keep your body straight. If you’re walking with large or heavy bags, make sure you are using your arms instead of your hands to hold the items. The arms are bigger muscles and the joints have an easier time supporting it.

Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is important for joint pain. This is because the extra weight puts pressure on your joints. In fact it is said that for every pound you lose you are reducing 4 pounds of pressure on your knees. Talk to your doctor before beginning any weight loss programs.

Muscle Strength
Give your joints support by strengthening the muscles surrounding them. It helps to reduce stress and excess weight on your joints. This can be as simple as lifting light weights or using resistance bands two to three times a week. It is especially important for core muscles, specifically your abs and back muscles, because they helps with your balance and this can help prevent injury and prevent joints from wearing out.

Stretch It Out
Stretching protects your body from injury, and keeps you feeling at your best. Stretching at least three times a week can help lessen strain on muscles and keep your joints from becoming too stiff. Yoga is a great way to incorporate stretching in your daily routine. Just make sure not to stretch without warming up first, because this can cause muscle strain and injury. It’s also important to maintain good posture, which yoga can help you with, because it can prevent joint pain and promote overall well-being.

A Healthy Diet
Make sure you are eating a healthy diet. This can help to fight or even prevent joint pain. Eating fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring), or any food with fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation and joint discomfort. Milk is also great for joints because the Vitamin D and Calcium it contains strengthen bones, which can help prevent injuries. Antioxidant-rich foods like avocado, oranges, and broccoli (just to name a few) are also essential in fighting joint-damaging free radicals. To take your joint health to the next level, glucosamine supplements can be taken in order to uphold joint cartilage and reduce deterioration.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-keep-joints-healthy
http://painmanagementtrends.com/healthy-joints-and-how-to-get-them/

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