Keep Your Joints Healthy

About 21 million adults have osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear condition that causes achy joints and may eventually lead to can't-get-up-from-the-sofa pain.

 Just because a condition is prevalent doesn't mean it's inevitable, or that you can't do a number of things to either prevent or control it. There are several steps you can take to either prevent the wear or reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis so you still can enjoy the activities you love

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Maintain a healthy weight

Keeping your weight down will help reduce those small tears that break down cartilage.


Vary your exercise

Working out helps reduce stiffness in the joints. Vary your exercise routine during the week between low or no-impact aerobic exercises to strength exercises.


Keep your muscles in mind

Weight training helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding joints, protecting them from damage. Modify muscle-building moves so they don't strain the joint of the part you're exercising. For example, do seated leg lifts instead of squats and lunges to decrease the pressure created on the knee. 


Add ice

Icing your joints after exercise can help you manage pain and prevent swelling. Ice gets the fluid out of the joint and into the lymphatic system. Ice the joints you use during exercise for 10 minutes after the activity.



Eat beneficial foods

Studies show the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help reduce symptoms associated with joint pain levels of inflammation. It is also recommended to take a good glucosamine supplement to maintain joint health.