fitness

Joints play an essential role in our bodies since they aid us in moving, bending, to lifting, including all manner of things. Over the years, they tend to take a beating, and as we age, the more they are subjected to pressure. You may have felt some joint pains as you age and shrugged it off, thinking it was due to some strenuous activity. It may be true, but don’t be fooled. It may point to some underlying condition. It may be that your joints are crying out for help in terms of nourishment. All in all, it would be prudent to seek medical advice from your doctor in diagnosing and managing such pain. In case you are wondering how to deal with joint pains as we age, you are in the right place. Indulge.

RIGHT DIAGNOSIS

For starters, having the right diagnosis is imperative in determining proper treatment. Arthritis is a common catch-all phrase for joint pain and inflammation. Well, according to doctor Hoffman, a rheumatology chief specialist from the University of Miami Miller Medical School, there exist more than a hundred cases of arthritis. He states that people won’t get the proper pain management or treatment they deserve unless we pinpoint the origin or the root cause.

EXERCISING

Physical activities during old age are essential since it keeps your joints lubricated. Inactivity may cause joint stiffness making even the most basic tasks painful and challenging. Further, lifting weights goes a long way in improving joint functionality. Just make sure you start small and scale up as you build stamina.

CHECK YOUR WEIGHT

As we age, we tend to pile on weight due to less activity due to decreased strength. This weight tends to put pressure on the joints leading to aches. Nutritionists and health experts advise that maintaining a properly balanced diet coupled with a few sessions of exercises a week will go a long way in improving your overall health and weight. A balanced diet ensures your joints get enough nutrients. They further advise the use of joint supplements to improve nutrient levels.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Reducing your alcohol intake as well as sugary beverages, goes a long way in reducing dehydration. If possible, replace such beverages entirely with water. Ensuring that you re-hydrate by always having a water bottle helps to lubricate your joints during work out sessions. Your body tends to such out moisture from cartilage among other areas when dehydrated.

QUIT SMOKING

I know old habits die hard. Nevertheless, you should strive to quit it if you are an ardent smoker. Smoking causes joint inflammation and alters the way your brain processes bodily pains. You may not know the severity involved until the effects of smoking wear off. For chronic smokers, it may be too late before you discover that your cartilages are worn off.

CONCLUSION

Aging is an inevitable part of life. With it comes a myriad of problems such as joint pain. However, how we respond to such pains is what makes all the difference. Adopting such changes as highlighted goes a long way in keeping such pains at bay.