Feeling Stiff? Check Out These Tips To Protect Your Joints
Feeling stiff is part and parcel of getting older.
Or is it?
It turns out that it isn't as clear cut as that. Yes - aging is a risk factor for stiff joints and knee replacement. But there are all kinds of other factors that play a role too.
In this post, we run through some quick tips for keeping your joints and sockets healthy. Some of these will be common sense, while others may surprise you.
Don’t Wear High Heels
Wearing high heels is a definite no-no if you want to protect your joints. Wearing more than a three-inch heel increases the stresses on your feet by more than seven times that of a one-inch heel. It can also put added strain on the knee, increasing the chances of joint wear and tear over time.
Eat Salad Veggies Every Day
Eating salad veggies every day might seem like a chore. But it all depends on your approach to healthy living. If you love feeling great every day, then indulging at the salad bar doesn’t feel like an ordeal. In fact, it can be utterly delicious.
Take green veggies, like kale, parsley and lettuces. Research shows that all three of these reduce cartilage loss and reduce bone wasting as you get older.
Handle Heavy Loads With Care
Carrying something that’s too heavy can have a detrimental effect on your bone health that lasts for the rest of your life. A single injury might remain with you for decades. Thus, proper form when lifting is essential.
When carrying a heavy object, use both arms and bear the weight as close to your body as possible. If you can, slide objects along the floor instead of carrying them outright.
Choose Functional Footwear
While certain types of footwear look great, they aren’t always practical. High-heels, for instance, don’t do your joints any favours, as discussed anova.
When shopping for shoes, look for items that are flexible and supportive. Make sure that the toes are square or rounded to avoid your shoes changing the shape of your feet.
Don’t Stomp
Some exercises, such as kick aerobics and running can be tough on the joints and lead to premature wasting. Researchers and medics, therefore, advice switching to swimming or cycling - activities that give your body slightly less of a pounding.
Move Further
When it comes to exercise, you should try to increase the range of motion the joint goes through. You see a lot of people in the gym moving their bodies through a short range of motion - and that’s a problem. They aren’t building sufficient joint and ligament flexibility to ensure good health.
Say Yes To Healthy Habits
Ultimately, the health of your joints boils down to your ability to say “yes” to the healthy habits outlined in this article. That often means giving yourself permission to put yourself first. You should be allowed to prioritise stress reduction, healthy eating and exercise. By putting yourself first, you actually free up more energy for serving the people around you.
