5 Ways to Reduce Joint Problems

Touching your toes may be more important than you know. Adults often complain of stiff joints and poor flexibility. The painful movement of joints – associated with a diet lacking in certain nutrients, and from overexertion of the joint – can cause everyday tasks to seem insurmountable chores. And as the definition in the government encyclopedia website states “joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.”

A joint is defined as a point of contact between bones, cartilage and bones, or teeth and bones. At these various points of contact there are tissues, fluids and (sometimes) pockets of air. Repetitive movements, like those of running, can break down the tissue that is there, thus increasing the impact or touching of bones and cartilage, which causes immense painful sensations.

In order to reduce the wear and tear that your joints experience over a lifetime there are certain things you can do protect them. The list that follows is compilation of suggestions to help you do so.

1. Move your body. In order to keep the pain down it is important that you move the joint through its range of (un-painful) motion at least once each day.

2. Learn to understand your limits. You may feel as though you can push through the pain of a long jog without causing long-term damage, but each time you do so you are increasing the pain later. If you start to hurt, stop. Stretch and walk the rest of the way, then relax. The cumulative experiences can cause severe pain later in life.

3. Eat right. Diets lacking in glucosamine and chondroitin will effectively dry up your joints, causing you pain. Conversely, diets rich in the two nutrients will help rebuild damaged cartilage and reduce painful sensations.

4. Be smart with your body. When picking up something heavy, bend with the knees. If you are using the computer often, get a chair that encourages good posture and find a pad to support your wrists as you type.

5. Don’t sit in one position for too long. Beyond having your leg fall asleep, static pressure on joints can cause lasting damage. Move around and switch positions.

Being proactive about your body will help you later in life. Eating right, exercising and treating yourself with care are all important elements in living without joint pain.

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