Only You Can Prevent Joint Injuries
By Sara Butler
Your joints are pretty spectacular. They allow you to move freely and go through your everyday life unhindered. In the event you injure one of your joints, it brings into focus just how important they are to your daily activities. It can be difficult to get through your day without fully mobile joints. Here are some strategies you can use to help keep your joints healthy.
How Joints Work
Your joints are made to withstand the load you put on them every day and also to provide you with a full range of motion in that particular area of your body. Every joint in your body is made up of two surfaces that touch together, allowing for movement. The different types of joints are:
- Ball-and-socket joints– Your hips and shoulders are examples of this type of joint.
- Hinge joints – Your knees and elbows are hinge joints.
- Gliding joints – Your spine contains gliding joints.
The bones contained in each of your joints allow the movement, but the muscles in and surrounding the joint produce the movement. Tendons connect your muscles to your joints while ligaments connect your bones together. Your ligaments, muscles, and tendons all surround and attach to each joint in your body, and the fluid contained in the joints helps to lubricate them to reduce friction and keep them healthy throughout your life.
Keeping Joints Healthy
There are many factors that contribute to joint health. They include:
- Proper nutrition
- Proper lifting
- Healthy lifestyle
- Healthy exercise program
- Regular chiropractic care
You need exercise in order to help your joint move through its full range of motion each day. When you combine exercise and chiropractic care, you are proactively taking steps to keep your joints healthy. Remember, when it comes to your joints, if you don’t move it, you will definitely lose it!
Proper nutrients will contribute to your joint health as well, providing long-term stability and also assisting your joints in resisting the impact of normal wear and tear. Remember, being aware of all the things that will contribute to your joint health helps you lower your risk of injuring them.
You can also prevent injuries to your joint by:
- Lifting objects properly
- Avoiding just one posture for long periods
- Keeping joints in neutral positions when you’re not using them
If you do injure a joint you should see a chiropractor so they can help guide you through the recovery process and get your joint back to normal functioning. The chiropractors at The Joint are happy to help you get back on your feet after an injury, and want to help keep you injury free!