Prevent Joint Pain
While genetics and other uncontrollable factors do play a role in joint pain, you can adopt healthy practices to reduce your risk of injury or disease:
Maintain a healthy weight. This very well could be the “golden ticket” to heed off a number of health care concerns, including joint pain. Being overweight, even by a few pounds, puts extra strain on all of your joints. The risk of injuring your ligaments and tendons is greater, and you run an increased risk of osteoarthritis, the number one cause of joint pain.
Strengthen your muscles. Weak muscles leave joints, tendons and ligaments much more susceptible to injury. Engage in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your muscles, your joint’s natural support system. If land-based exercise is too painful, try a water-based exercise regimen.
Take a good look at your diet. For a strong, healthy skeletal system, be sure to include plenty of calcium in your diet by introducing dairy products or leafy green vegetables. On the flip side, eliminate caffeine, as it can actually weaken your bone structure. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish has been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness in people suffering from arthritis. And vitamin C, packed in orange juice and citrus fruits, boosts the body’s ability to repair tissue.
Consider joint-friendly workouts. Make no mistake, jogging jars your joints much more than other activities, such as swimming. So, if you find your joints aching after your workouts, try swimming, water aerobics or other low-impact exercise. Remember to seek your physician’s approval and guidance before beginning any exercise program.
Invest in well-fitting shoes. Often times, we overlook obvious sources of support, including our footwear. Not only do you want to find a shoe that fits comfortably and provides stability and support, but choose footwear that suits your sport.
Take a break. Just as mistakes happen when you are tired, injuries can occur as well. Don’t push your body too far and heed those signs of fatigue! Also, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Adults should average 7 ½ to 8 ½ hours of sleep every night.
Talk to your doctor. Make sure your doctor is aware of the lifestyle you lead, as he or she may have other helpful suggestions.
