Six Things You Can Do to Manage Joint Health
Sometimes we feel like painful joints are just something we are going to have to live with, even to the point of near disability
Our dysfunctioning joints may be affected by age, arthritis, previous injury, or other factors out of our control. On the other hand, a number of common habits and choices stress joints. Here are six things you can do to improve the function of those painful joints.
- Take breaks from sedentary activities. Having a sedentary lifestyle can lead to strain on joints and cartilage. This is, in part, caused by lack of blood flow to these areas when we’re not moving. If you’re working a desk job, take frequent breaks from sitting to stretch, walk around, or at least shift positions. If you are streaming a show, give yourself an intermission every 15 minutes to get up and do something around the house.
- Take breaks from repetitive activities. Repetitive activities can lead to joint strain, particularly in our hands and shoulders. These activities include typing, chopping food, and texting. Take breaks every two to three minutes when doing these activities.
- Target a healthier body mass index. Being overweight puts extra strain on our joints, particularly our knees and hips. Weight loss plans abound. Consider the help of a medical professional or personal trainer. You’re worth it.
- Strength train. Strength training helps strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Studies have tied strength training to lessening pain levels.
- Assess your intake of calcium and vitamin D. Optimal levels of both lead to stronger bones and joints. (Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007 Jul 19;357(3):266-81.)
- Make Yourself an Appointment at Advanced Physiotherapy (02) 4954 5330. With the combined expertise of physiotherapy and exercise physiology, we can assess and treat multiple factors affecting individual joint function. You don’t have to do it on your own.