9 Things You Can Do Today to Prevent Arthritis Down the Road
Arthritis is a common part of the aging process, but it’s not inevitable. If you take care of your body from a young age, it will reward you with pain-free years as you grow old. Here are nine things you can do today to help prevent arthritis tomorrow:
- Control your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight limits the amount of stress your body puts on your joints. Every pound you shed can relieve up to four pounds of pressure from your knees and hips!
- Exercise. Exercising doesn’t just help you lose weight, it also strengthens the muscles around your joints.
- Minimize impact. While activities such as running are good for your cardiovascular system, the repetitive impact can wreak havoc on your joints. Opt for low-impact exercises, such as cycling, swimming, or the elliptical machine.
- Safety first. Your joints naturally wear down over time, but injuries can accelerate the process. Avoid injury by wearing proper safety equipment and learning correct exercise techniques.
- Practice proper posture. Be aware of your body’s biomechanics at all times. Improper posture while standing, sitting, laying down, walking, bending, or jumping can all damage your joints.
- Drink plenty of water. The cartilage in your joints is comprised of mostly water, and acts as a shock absorber. When you are dehydrated, the water is sucked out of your cartilage, and your joints suffer the consequences.
- Avoid cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption. Cigarettes and alcohol both weaken bone structure and limit your body’s ability to absorb vitamins.
- Eat the right foods. Enjoy a well-balanced diet that includes ample amounts of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Seek professional treatment as soon as you develop symptoms. Arthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse with time. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more damage your joints will incur.
Are you experiencing joint pain? Treatment is available from the doctors at Orthopaedic Specialty Group. With six convenient locations throughout Fairfield County, help is never far away. Request an appointment online, or give us a call at (203) 337-2600.