5 Simple Daily Habits to Keep Your Joints Healthy and Pain-Free

Joints are the areas in the body where two bones meet. They play a vital role in facilitating everyday tasks like walking, jumping, and lifting things. They also play a role in maintaining the stability of the head and pelvis and providing flexibility to the skeletal structure (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Keeping Your Joints & Bones Healthy & Happy

Go to source). Joints are ideally designed for movement. If they remain unused for long stretches, they tend to get stiff, and the cushions in the joints, known as cartilage, can even degenerate. To prevent this, it is important to take daily steps to care for them and reduce the risk of pain, inflammation, stiffness, and joint-related conditions.

Practical Tips For Joint Health

1. Stay Active With Low-Impact Exercises

It’s no secret that exercise keeps the body healthy. The same applies to joint health too. Keeping yourself fit and active is vital, however, high-impact exercises can strain the joints, especially the knees. Conversely, low-impact exercises keep you moving without causing a strain. Some effective workouts include walking, swimming, stretches, and cycling.

2. Stay Conscious of Your Ideal Weight

Maintaining an optimal body weight is critical for your bones and joints. A study found that gaining just one pound of additional body weight puts four times the pressure on your knees. Avoid additional strain on your hips and knees by practicing a mindful approach to eating and exercising regularly.

3. Focus on Joint-Friendly Foods

Certain foods help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Foods to eat for healthy joints include Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, antioxidant-rich fruits such as berries, green vegetables like spinach, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger.

4. Work on The Muscles Around Your Joints

Strong muscles are the foundation of our body’s stability, flexibility, and mobility. It is impossible to carry out even simple daily tasks when our muscles aren't fit. It is necessary to strength train your muscles a few times a week with resistance band exercises and light weightlifting routines. This will also help you maintain your balance and posture as you age.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Cartilages consist of 70-80% water, and a lack of sufficient hydration can result in joint stiffness and pain. Avoid joint discomfort by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. It is also highly beneficial to include hydrating foods like cucumbers and melons to keep your joints in top condition.

Taking care of your joints may seem daunting, but following small daily habits consistently is the key to making a big impact. Make these habits a part of your daily life to prevent the onset of degenerative bone conditions. Start these healthy habits today, so your future self will thank you for your investment.

"The way you move today shapes how you’ll move tomorrow"

Reference:

1. Keeping Your Joints & Bones Healthy & Happy - (https://www.frederickhealth.org/news/2020/october/keeping-your-joints-bones-healthy-and-happy/)

Source-Medindia