Tips for Preventing Joint Pain and Damage

Many people suffer from joint pain and sore joints can really affect a person's lifestyle; it is really important to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes good food, exercise and stress-relieving activities.

Maintaining healthy joints takes some work especially as people age, but it is possible to keep joints healthy and keep the body strong so that everyday living tasks such as walking or sitting do not become burdensome tasks. The fact is that once damage is done to joints, it is virtually impossible to gain back what was lost in terms of damage so that is why prevention and control is the key and healthy living is so important.

Here you will find 10 healthy joint tips that will aid in preventing some, if not all, joint pain that comes from age and not maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Joint Tip #1: Control the Weight

We keep hearing this over and over again, but it so important to be within our weight range according to our height and age. Controlling weight is definitely not easy but excessive weight is one of the biggest culprits to cause joint pain and deterioration. Keeping the weight at a level that is healthy will really aid in minimizing damage to the joints and the area around the joints.

Healthy Joint Tip #2: Attempt a Variety of Exercises

Doing a variety of exercises throughout the week helps to work on all areas of the body so that particular areas are not being pushed to the point of pain by just performing certain exercises. Stretching, walking, aerobics, swimming, weight lifting and yoga are a nice variety of exercises that will work a range of areas of the body and by alternating these exercises; it will give a full body workout.

Healthy Joint Tip #3: Focus on Weight Training

Weight training is great for making muscles stronger and the muscles help to hold the bones and joints together along with ligaments, cartilage and other parts of the body. Strong muscles help the joints from getting damaged and help the joints to stay in proper position.

Healthy Joint Tip #4: Eat Healthy Foods

Eating a proper diet is so important for a healthy body and although food cannot take away the damage already done to joints, it can help to keep swelling down that is often a factor in joint pain. Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D are excellent sources in reducing swelling so consider a diet of fish and milk to maintain healthy joints.

Healthy Joint Tip #5: Alternate Positions Often

If you are sitting or kneeling for an extended amount of time, these kinds of positions can cause the joints to stiffen up. Try to alternate positions often so that the body and joints are not in the same spot for an extended amount of time.

Healthy Joint Tip #6: Drop the Bad Habits

Bad habits such as smoking, drug use and excessive drinking can really take its toll on the body and joints; these bad habits affect all parts of the body, even the joints. Committing to not doing these bad habits will help in minimizing damage done to the body in the future.

Healthy Joint Tip #7: Take a Supplement

There are so many supplements on the market that it can become overwhelming but taking a little time and briefly reading the supplement bottles will soon prove to be beneficial as typically the bottles state what the supplemental use is for. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended daily use.

Healthy Joint Tip #8: Use Ice to Keep Inflammation Down

Joints will get inflamed at times, so icing the area really help to keep the swelling down and also helps with the pain. Getting ice to the affected area is the best way to minimize the pain.

Healthy Joint Tip #9: Take Time Meditate and Relax

Pain can be controlled with the mind so taking the time meditate and relax will really help in keeping the joint pain level in control. A strong mind also helps to keep the body strong, including the joints.

Healthy Joint Tip #10: Visit Your Physician

The best advice and recommendations in preventing joint pain will come from your physician; also before starting any type of exercise routine or supplemental intake, it is always wise to give the physician a call and set up an appointment.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/02/27/CL.joint.health/index.html

http://keepingyourjointshealthy.com/

http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/maintaining-healthy-joints-with-home-based-solutions/