10 Tips for Keeping Your Joints Healthy and Pain-Free

Joint pain is inevitable. At some point in our lives, whether from injury or age, we all experience some joint discomfort. By definition, joints are the areas where two or more bones make contact to enable movement and flexibility and provide mechanical stability for the body. Unfortunately, these structures are often the locations most impacted by the weight-bearing activities we perform. Over time the cartilage and dampening component of the joint become worn leading to more bone on bone contact. This is often quite painful and typically the factor behind most forms of joint pain and discomfort.

There are several things you can do to minimize or prevent joint pain. Follow these tips to help manage your joint pain and discomfort:

1. Take a joint health supplement. They are safer and offer more than a temporary fix for joint conditions than typical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
2. Practice good posture. Whether you are sitting or standing, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are back.
3. Monitor your diet. Certain foods can aggravate or relieve joint conditions. Fish rich in essentrial fatty-acids such as salmon, for example, helps to naturally reduce inflammation.
4. Strengthen your core muscles. Doing abdomen and back exercises can help strengthen the muscles that help with posture and balance.
5. Perform low-impact exercises. These include swimming, biking, and yoga. All of which help prevent and treat joint discomfort. Movement is essential to keeping joints healthy.
6. Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or obese are twice as likely to develop arthritis and other joint issues.
7. Protect joints when playing sports. Wear knee/ankle braces when playing tennis or golf. Wear protective gear if riding a bike or skating.
8. Use ice for joint pains and aches. Ice is cheap and easy to obtain. It is also very effective at reducing swelling and inflammation.
9. Heat also works well to relieve joint pain. Take a hot shower, soak in a hot tub, or frequent your local steam room and sauna.
10. Quit smoking. Smoking introduces chemicals into your body which can complicate pre-existing conditions like arthritis.

Reducing and preventing joint pain is easy if you follow these tips. Not only will they help you live more comfortably, but most will help you lead a more active, healthier lifestyle. You will be less prone to the development of detrimental health conditions and live a longer, happier life!