How to Keep Your Joints Healthy

Joint pain is medically referred to as arthralgia. There are numerous joints in human body, and they are extremely crucial for our physical and mental health. Shoulders have ball-and-socket-type construction, while knees work more like door hinges.

They connect one bone to the other and facilitate movement of our limbs. Middle-aged and older people are prone to aches in this part of the body and this might eventually lead to can't-get-up-from-the-sofa pain.

Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. It facilitates flexible joints and retains their range of motion. In old age, there is a distinct stiffness in this part of the body. Exercising helps avoid that stiffness. Focus on exercises designed for stability and development of core muscles. This will prevent the loss of balance and subsequent injury.

It is imperative to consume healthy food to fulfill the needs of growing tissues. Consumption of food that is rich in calcium and vitamin C can lower the risk of arthralgia. For growing children, calcium, vitamin D and proteins that furnish amino acids, are beneficial. Fish like salmon and tuna also help in providing required nutrients to the body.

Avoiding weight gain is another way to ensure healthy joints. Obesity can certainly put one at a risk of developing medical conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. As you put on weight, the extra pounds weigh heavily, particularly on your knee joints, giving rise to arthralgia and other problems. Keeping the weight under control will help reduce those small tears that break down the cartilage.

Paying attention to one's sitting and standing posture helps keep arthralgia at bay. Slumping or slouching should be avoided at all costs. Hip joints and neck muscles can get strained, if you slouch. Protect them by correcting your posture.

Build major muscle groups, if you do not have enough flesh over your muscles. This is because muscles act as a shock absorber for your joints. Lack of enough muscle tissue can lead to heavy wear and tear of the joints. Performing weight training exercises helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joints, thereby protecting them from damage.

While participating in high intensity activities that involve physical risk, ensure that you use protective gear. Having a good and comfortable pair of shoes in addition to this, will go a long way in maintaining healthy joints, especially knees and hips. Hence, invest in a good pair of shoes. In case of joint swelling, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Take all possible measures to avoid any injury/trauma to the joints.

Every time you have a meal, you may not be able to get all the nutrients at one go. You can take nutritional supplement to fulfill the body's needs. However, take the supplements that have been prescribed by your doctor or trainer, as per the recommended dosage and duration.

At the end of the day, there is no single way to prevent arthralgia. However, do consult a doctor, if you have been experiencing joint pain and stiffness. The symptoms would resolve if the underlying cause is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.