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Whether you are old or young, protecting your joints can benefit your health long term.

Whether you are old or young, protecting your joints can benefit your health long term. If you’ve had a recent injury or recently been diagnosed with arthritis your doctor may have talked with you about the many ways you can protect and strengthen the health of your joints. Healthy joints can help you stay active at any age. While injuries and certain conditions may not be a hundred percent preventable, there are several ways you can improve the health of your joints.

Exercise

Keep moving to strengthen your joints. Exercise can reduce stiffness and strengthen the muscles around the joints which can help support them. Low impact exercises such as walking, strength training, swimming, and cycling are especially recommended to help you stay active. Doctors recommend wearing proper equipment and making sure not to overdo any workouts. Talk to your doctor about what exercise routine would be best for you.

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight can put strain on the weight bearing joints. Your knees, ankles, back, and hips can be especially impacted by weight gain. Reduce the amount of stress on your joints by losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor if you are currently overweight, they will be able to make certain health recommendations that can help you lose weight safely.

Diet

Drink more water and less soda or energy drinks. Cartilage, a tissue that cushions the joints, can be affected by dehydration. Lean protein can also help you build muscle. Foods with Vitamin D and calcium can also help strengthen your bones. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation.

Know your limits and treat your injuries

Prevent injuries by knowing your limits. Avoid lifting things that may put too much pressure on the joints. If after activity you are still sore after forty-eight hours, you may need to talk to a doctor or physical therapist about your activity levels, and you may need to make certain modifications. If you have a current or prior injury, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to avoid further injuries. They may suggest certain modifications to workouts or braces and other equipment. If you have sore joints, icing them can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

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