How to Care for Your Joints
By Donna Stark
Although millions of people suffer from it daily, osteoarthritis probably isn't something you think about very often. And if you have given it some thought, you probably told yourself that you would only deal with it if, and when, the time comes that you are forced to. However, with that kind of thinking, you may be setting yourself up for a lot of pain and discomfort down the road. Fortunately, there are some things you can do that will reduce several of its risk factors. Take a look at what your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic recommend.
Manage Your Workload
If your job involves a lot of repetitive motion, especially with your hands, knees, hips, or spine, you may want to talk to your primary care physician about ways to take care of your joints. Here are some of the motions you should pay special attention to.
- Kneeling
- Lifting
- Twisting
- Crawling
- Bending
- Stair climbing
- Whole-body vibration
Exercise Daily
Low-impact workouts, stretches, and strength training exercises can help improve the health of your joints. Try to incorporate a stretching session into your morning or evening routine, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and don't forget to add at least two sessions of strength training into your week as well. Some of the best low-impact workouts you can choose are walking, cycling, swimming, tai chi, and yoga.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
One of the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis is excess weight. Carrying around extra pounds places a lot of excess stress on your body, and that isn't good because it can speed up the deterioration of your joints. Speak to your primary care physician about your concerns, but in the meantime, make sure you are consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.
Get Regular Adjustments
Routine chiropractic care at The Joint Chiropractic is a great way to improve, or maintain, the health of your joints. The adjustments your chiropractor provides supports optimal joint motion and function, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the amount of damage heading your way. Your chiropractor will also guide you toward a healthier lifestyle with suggestions for exercises, stretches, and diet.
Caring for Your Joints
Caring for your joints today so you can have healthy ones later in life is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, so don't delay. Follow the suggestions above and if you need more guidance on how to start or what to do, just ask your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. They will be more than happy to get you on the path to optimal well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.