Joint health is something that ALL ages need to be concerned about, not just older populations. The more we educate ourselves, the less likely we are to develop joint conditions like arthritis or general joint pain and stiffness. Healthy joints are key to living a pain free life. Unfortunately, nearly half of Americans over the age of 65 are dealing with arthritis somewhere in their bodies, according to the CDC.
Arthritis is a condition in which inflammation has invaded the joint space and is causing joint stiffness and/or pain. As we age, our body begins to decline from the wear and tear that our bodies endure with our activities of daily living. When we’re talking about arthritis, inflammation continues and starts to wreak havoc in the joint. The increased swelling in the joint most commonly leads to joint stiffness and increased pain with or without movement.
Reducing pain and strengthening joints (whether that be from arthritis specifically or not)
Here are six tips to help strengthen, lengthen, and reduce pain in joints:
- Get up and get moving:
- Staying active encourages circulation in the joint, which allows for smoother movement between the bones.
- Stay hydrated:
- Water makes up 60% of our synovial fluid, which is what lubricates our joints to prevent friction pain and cartilage deterioration.
- Increase Vitamin D:
- It helps absorb calcium, which in turn helps us build stronger bones. If we aren’t replenishing our bodies with enough calcium, our bones will become weaker and more susceptible to breaking.
- Weight Management:
- Increased weight on the joints causes increased stress.
- Don’t be afraid to switch it up:
- Often times we get stuck in routines that lead to repetitive stress on the same joints. In order to counteract that, we need to change up our daily routines.
- Discover your strengths:
- Get to know your body more and learn your strengths and use them to your advantage. For instance, when going up and down stairs, learn to use your stronger leg going up and the weaker leg going down, minimizing the pressure on the weakened side.
By: Cierra Washington, ATC
