Tips to Keep Joints Healthy- Part 2- Physiotherapy, RMT, Kitchener, Waterloo
January 22nd, 2015 - Posted in Arthritis, Back Pain, Exercise, Health, Nutrition, Physiotherapy
Tips to Keep Joints Healthy- Part 2
Full Range of Motion is Key
Move joints through their full range of motion to reduce stiffness and keep them flexible. Range of motion refers to the normal extent joints can be moved in certain directions. If you have arthritis, your doctor or physical therapist can recommend daily range-of-motion exercises.
Strengthen Your Core
How can strong abs help protect joints? Stronger abs and back muscles help with balance. The more balanced you are, the less likely you are to damage your joints with falls or other injuries. So include core (abdominal, back, and hips) strengthening exercises in your routine.
Know Your Joints’ Limits
It’s normal to have some aching muscles after exercising. But if pain lasts longer than 48 hours, you may have overstressed your joints. Don’t exercise so hard next time. Working through the pain may lead to injury or damage.
Eat Fish to Reduce Inflammation
If you have joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), eat more fish. Fatty coldwater fish like salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may help keep joints healthy, as well as reduce inflammation, a cause of joint pain and tenderness in people with RA. Don’t like fish? Try fish oil capsules instead.
Drink Milk to Keep Bones Strong
Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong. Strong bones can keep you on your feet, and prevent falls that can damage joints. Dairy products are the best sources of calcium, but other options are green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale. If you don’t get enough calcium through diet, ask your doctor about supplements.
Protect Joints With Good Posture
Stand and sit up straight. Good posture protects joints all the way from the neck down to your knees. One easy way to improve posture is by walking. The faster you walk, the harder your muscles work to keep you upright. Swimming can also improve posture.
Be Careful Lifting and Carrying
Consider your joints when lifting and carrying. Carry bags on your arms instead of with your hands to let bigger muscles and joints support the weight.
Use Ice for Joint Pain
Ice is a natural — and free — pain reliever. It numbs pain and helps relieve swelling. If you have a sore joint, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes at a time. Don’t have ice or a cold pack? Try a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
Glucosamine for Knee OA
Glucosamine is a natural chemical compound found in healthy joint cartilage. Some studies have shown glucosamine — combined with chondroitin — may provide some relief for moderate to severe pain caused by knee OA. Yet the results of other studies have been mixed.
Other Supplements for Joint Pain?
Health food stores are filled with supplements promising to relieve joint pain. In addition to glucosamine, the best scientific evidence is for SAMe. Some studies have even shown it to work better than anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for osteoarthritis pain. Acupuncture is another complementary therapy that may also help. Talk to your physician about this.
Treat Joint Injuries
Physical trauma can contribute to cartilage breakdown and OA. If you injure a joint, see your doctor right away for treatment. Then take steps to avoid more damage. You may need to avoid activities that overstress the joint or use a brace to stabilize it.
Please refer to activewellness.ca for full article. Be well.