Apr 19, 2017
Live Well: Helpful Tips for Healthy Joints
Spring is officially upon us here in Wilmington, NC. Unfortunately for joint pain sufferers, this time of year isn’t always enjoyable because of constant pain and discomfort. Long walks on the beach or wandering around the Farmers Market may not be feasible for someone dealing with joint pain. Our joints endure a lot stress every day, and keeping them healthy is important to an active and comfortable lifestyle, now and in the future. For those of you who currently deal with arthritis or other joint issues, there are many ways to combat these problems and continue to live a healthy and full life.
Eat Healthy
Keeping up an ideal body weight is essential for optimal joint health. This is especially important for our weight bearing joints, such as knees and hips. For many, weight gain is a vicious cycle for their body. The more weight that is gained, the more pain that occurs in the joint area and the more difficult it becomes to keep moving. The less we move, the more weight we gain. If you are not at your ideal weight, create an achievable goal to lose just a few pounds. A 2005 study in Arthritis & Rheumatism of overweight and obese adults with knee osteoarthritis found that losing one pound of weight resulted in four pounds of pressure being removed from the knees. That means that losing just 10 pounds would relieve 40 pounds of stress from your knees.
A good habit to help you reach your weight loss goals is to make “super foods” a part of your daily diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as salmon, bananas, lentils and sweet potatoes not only aid in weight loss but help with arthritis pain.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps reduce pain and stiffness in your joints. Even moderate exercise can offer big benefits by creating muscle tone that supports your joints. Daily exercise is important, but be sure not to overdo it, especially if you are just beginning a program. Shorter, more frequent sessions during your week can result in major benefits. Some good, low impact exercise routines for joint health include yoga, walking, swimming and Pilates.
Drink Water
Drinking eight glasses of water a day may sound like an old wives’ tale, but drinking enough water is important for many reasons. Not only will it contribute to weight loss and keep you hydrated, it can also assist in keeping your joints strong and healthy. Water helps reduce joint pain by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated. It also promotes healthy blood volume, which helps nutrients move through your blood and into your joints.
Take Supplements
The best way to get vitamins and minerals important for joint health is through rich super foods. However, it’s not realistic for everyone to eat salmon and sweet potatoes every day. Look into supplements that aid joint health to add to your healthy eating plan. Calcium, vitamin D, omega acids and glucosamine are all great for preventing and treating joint pain.
Infusion Therapy
In addition to eating healthy and staying active, infusion therapy is great way to alleviate joint discomfort, especially among patients who suffer from inflammatory types of arthritis. Carolina Arthritis has been offering infusion therapy services since 1999, with great results. To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.
We hope these tips help you alleviate joint pain and enjoy a fun, comfortable, and active spring and summer. If you have any comments or ideas to share, head over to Facebook and let us know.