Your joints are critical for daily living and influence your quality of life if affected. Most people have experienced joint problems from injuries, overuse, or medical conditions like osteoarthritis. Joint pain can develop anywhere in your body, but it’s typically common in your hip, knee, feet, hands, and spine. Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis causes wear and tear in your joints, resulting in immense pain. But that doesn’t mean the condition is inevitable, for Lafayette osteoarthritis treatments will help eliminate your pain instantly. Additionally, there are essential lifestyle habits that you can incorporate into your everyday routine to safeguard your joints from osteoarthritis and other joint diseases. Let’s run through the five lifestyle behaviors that will leave your joints healthy.
1. Don’t stop moving
Typically, many people often stop moving when they experience joint pain or because of aging. Technically, physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and joints. Not only will physical exercise ease stiffness and pain, but it will also strengthen your joint muscles. Consider including stretching, strength training, and weight-bearing activities like jogging and walking in your routine exercises.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Physical exercise and maintaining an ideal weight go in handy for healthier joints. Being overweight exerts pressure on your joints, causing wear and tear. Similarly, being overweight can strain your muscle joints and can cause pain. Cut the extra pounds simultaneously, and reduce the stress exerted on your joints, thus combating osteoarthritis.
3. Ditch your bad habits
Smoking doesn’t only affect your breathing system but also impacts severe joint diseases. It increases your chances of developing bone and joint conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, bone fracture, and low back pain. Also, excessive alcohol taking contributes to joint problems, and you should control your intake. Try limiting your smoking and alcohol behavior to have healthy joints.
4. Watch what you eat
A healthy diet is valuable to your overall health and joint health. Eating food that increases inflammation in your body improves the possibility of suffering from joint pains. Alternatively, focus on nutrient-dense foods which support and strengthen your bones and joints. Foods like the Mediterranean diet, which is low in sodium and saturated fats, will keep inflammation at bay. Nevertheless, it is rich in fiber and polyunsaturated, and unsaturated.
Similarly, constantly incorporate a diet high in fruits and vegetables for their wealth in vitamin C, which is vital for bone mineralization. Calcium from vitamin D is also crucial for more substantial, healthy joints.
5. Frequently talk to your physician
Most joint problems don’t prove signs in their early stages. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek specialized checks often and help from your doctor. In addition, a professional will offer guidance on the healthy habits to adopt to safeguard your joints. They can also detect any underlying medical condition affecting your joints, like hormone imbalance or medications risking your joint health.
Is joint pain deterring you from being productive? Family medicine physician Patrick Moore MD of Moore Healthcare Group offers specialized treatments and guidance for any joint complications. Furthermore, he comprehends the challenges of joint pains, specifically osteoarthritis, and tailors an individualized treatment plan for quick recovery. Book your appointment with Dr. Moore today!
