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There’s an old adage that says, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to joint health.

One in four people over the age of 55 suffer from chronic knee pain, so it is important to take care of your body from a young age. Here are five things you can do today to prevent knee pain tomorrow:

• Maintain a healthy weight. The more you weigh, the more pressure that is put on your joints. In fact, just one extra pound of bodyweight can translate to four extra pounds of pressure on your knees. You can see how quickly this adds up!

 

• Opt for low-impact exercise. Regular exercise is important in maintaining a healthy weight, but make sure you are doing the right kind of exercise. Low-impact activities, such as cycling and swimming, will result in less wear-and-tear than the high impact of running.

 

• Strengthen your surrounding muscles. Strong quadriceps and hamstrings can better support your knee and take some of the pressure off of your joints. The muscles in your abdominals, back, hips, and buttocks also play a key role. Keep these strong with moderate weight training once or twice per week.

 

• Stop smoking. You know that cigarettes are bad for your heart and lungs, but they are also bad for your joints. Chemicals found in tobacco can hinder your body’s ability to repair damaged ligaments.

 

• Wear proper footwear. The right shoes will help you maintain proper musculoskeletal alignment, which is important in preventing injury. Ideally, your shoes should be flat and flexible. If you have flat feet, use an over-the-counter insert for support.

If you suffer from knee pain, help is available at Orthopaedic Specialty Group. As Fairfield County’s largest and most experienced orthopedic practice, you can trust our team of knee specialists to accurately diagnose and treat your discomfort. Schedule an appointment online, or call (203) 337-2600.