There are simply some things that are just inevitable with age. Eventually, those wrinkles are going to come out, the back is going to ache, the grey hairs won’t stop coming, and, of course, there’s the dreaded joint pain. Not only do you need to think about joint pain in the winter months and take the time to prevent it then, but once you age, every day, there’s going to be a battle.
Whether it’s a twinge in the knees, stiffness in the shoulders, or discomfort in the hips, managing joint pain becomes a crucial aspect of maintaining a fulfilling and active lifestyle. If lifestyle is on the line, that even goes for tiny basic tasks that need to be done each day.
So, what can you do when it comes to managing joint pain? Well, here’s what you need to know!
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Did you know that carrying excess weight can affect your joints? It especially impacts the weight-bearing areas like the knees and hips. So, managing joint pain starts with maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. It’s generic advice, sure, but this is the truth! You’ll need to consult with a healthcare professional to create a personalised plan that suits your needs and supports joint health.
Consider Low-Impact Exercise
Alright, so no matter what age you are, you can actually have joint pain and other issues if you’re doing high-impact exercises like jogging, running, jumping, you name it. Basically, it is any exercise (like burpees) that causes exertion within the knees and ankles. But opting for low-impact activities can help minimise stress on your joints- significantly.
So, you might want to try activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking, which are gentle on the joints while providing cardiovascular benefits. So, by incorporating flexibility and strength training exercises to improve joint stability and range of motion.
Good Posture Counts
Alright, so the average person actually has a pretty bad posture. You don’t really know it yourself unless you see it for yourself. However, maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing and managing joint pain. It’s not just about looking proper; this actually does make a difference, especially in the spine and shoulders.
So, while it’s going to take a lot of practice, it’s best to just be mindful of your posture throughout the day, whether sitting at a desk, standing, or walking. You can even consider ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, which can also contribute to better posture and reduced joint strain.
Do What You Can to Protect Your Joints
So, this is another thing that doesn’t matter when it comes to age: if you’re not protecting your joints, you’ll risk getting them injured. So, be sure to take some precautions in order to protect your joints during daily activities. This can include using joint-friendly tools and aids, such as ergonomic chairs, supportive footwear, and assistive devices like canes or walkers when needed. So, why do these even matter? How do they even help? Well, these tools can help reduce the impact on your joints and enhance your overall mobility.
