Our joints are precious commodities that can diminish over time. The joint is the connection between two bones and it allows you to do things like bend at your back and knees and move your fingers. Smooth tissue and a lubricant cushion the joints so bones do not rub together. As we get older, the cartilage wears down and causes damage to the joints, leading to arthritis.
There are some things you can do to take care of your joints and keep them healthy longer.
In the Office
Protect your neck. Try to avoid looking down at documents or other items. Use document holders to keep things at eye level. A phone headset can keep you from tilting your neck to hold the phone.
As for your computer, the monitor should be about 20-26 inches from your upper body and the top of the monitor should be at about eye level. Rest your wrists while typing.
Try not to sit or stand all day. When you can, alternate between the two and if you sit a lot, try to stand up every half-hour or so.
Stretch while you can. Take breaks to do a few exercises between tasks. It will help energize you and keep your muscles, joints, and ligaments strong. Stretching helps maintain the range of motion in your joints.
At Home
After a low-impact workout of biking, walking, or swimming, take a warm bath to soothe your joints and muscles. It can also help you get sleepy.
Eat well. Try to eat foods that limit inflammation like berries, avocados, ginger, apples, dates, spinach, and kale. Fish, vegetables, other fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are also beneficial. Boost your calcium and vitamin C intake.
On the Go
Staying active can help keep pain and stiffness at bay. Exercise gets the heart pumping and blood flowing, nourishing cartilage. Strength training to help build the muscles around your joints will help your body absorb some of the shocks that go through the joints. Don’t overdo it. Know your limits and don’t exercise through pain.
They may be high fashion, but high heels are bad for your feet and knees. Instead look for flexible and supportive shoes with squared or rounded toe boxes so the toes can move around.
Maintain good posture no matter if you are standing or sitting. It helps your joints get the nutrients and oxygen they need.
Losing a few pounds is good for your joints. Every pound you lose removes four pounds of pressure from your knees, meaning less wear and tear on the joints.
If these kinds of remedies do not work or you want some advice about other non-surgical relief for pain, get in touch with the professionals at Health Star Clinic in Montgomery and Prattville. We can help you become pain-free. Contact us today!