Five Tips to Improve Your Joint Health

Have you noticed stiffness in your joints?  Do you want to lower the chances of injuries related to tripping and falling?  Are you worried about your limited mobility?  When you are struggling with joint-related issues, you will want to make a few changes to your lifestyle.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, we have a few recommendations that have worked for many of our patients when they feel pain in their joints.  These are a few tips to improve your joint health.

Stretch Frequently

Stretching is important to increase the flexibility in your joints, which works to eliminate stiffness and improve flexibility.   When you stretch, you elongate your muscles and keep them engaged in activity.  This is a low-impact way of working them so that they stay in good shape.  Stretching also encourages your muscles to be more flexible and more resilient, which will keep them stronger.  

Stay Active

Staying active is another way to improve your joint health and keep your body in optimal shape.  By performing light exercises each day, you can promote healthy joints.  Consider going for a walk every morning or use your treadmill to get a low-impact workout in before you start the rest of your day.  It is important to move your body each day to keep your joints and muscles loosened up and preventing injuries.

Eat the Right Foods

By eating the right diet, you can also eat foods that are rich in the right vitamins and minerals to fuel your body.   Nutrient-dense foods, like lean meats and vegetables, are great for your muscles, bones, and joints.  Also, it is advised to avoid too many processed foods, as these are high in calories and low in nutrients.

Avoid High-Impact Workouts

Although you want to stay active, you need to avoid any high-impact workouts.  Do not put any extra stress on your body, as this can result in injury that may cause irreparable damages.  When you engage in exercise, keep it safe and light.  Avoid any high-impact sports that may threaten injury and opt out of any rigorous activities that will place too much strain on your body.  

Use the Right Supplements

When you do not get enough nutrients from the foods you eat, you should consider taking supplements for joint and bone health.  Vitamin C and calcium are just two important vitamins that you need to have in your diet each day.   You should also consider taking Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to provide yourself with a well-balanced diet to promote joint, bone, and muscle health.

These are a few tips to improve your joint health and decrease the risk of injuries.  By following these tips, you can prioritize your own joint health, which is especially important as you age and your mobility becomes more limited.  If you suffer from joint problems, contact our orthopedic surgeon in Deland to hear more today.