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Joint health is something that millions of Americans struggle with, whether it be a sprain, strain, tendinitis, arthritis, or something else. If painful, inflamed joints are getting in the way of your everyday activities, try following these five tips.

 

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is the closest thing we have to a magical cure-all. Regular physical activity has been scientifically proven to ward off all kinds of diseases and health problems, and you can add bad joints to the list. Train with a focus on improving muscle strength – stronger muscles means more joint support.

 

Limit High-Impact Cardio

If you are an avid runner, consider mixing some low-impact exercises into your weekly cardio routine. High-impact activities such as running put high levels of pressure on our joints, which often leads to pain, inflammation, and eventually arthritis. Limit your runs to three times per week – if you are still in need of additional cardio, try low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming.

 

Eat Plenty of Essential Fatty Acids

Unfortunately, many of us believe the common misconception that all fats are bad for you. While this is true about trans and saturated fats, some fats are actually very beneficial for your overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids are an example of healthy fats. Found in fish, nuts, and seeds, this type of fat can reduce inflammation and even improve heart health.

 

Maintain Good Posture

If your mother ever yelled at you for slouching when you were a kid, it turns out she was on to something. Poor posture can lead to all sorts of muscular imbalances and severe lower back pain. If you work a desk job, make sure that you are sitting up straight at all times. You should also get up and walk around every half an hour or so, this prevents your body from being static for too long.

 

Stretch Often

The best thing you can do for your joints is stretching them out. You should be stretching at least three times a week, with a special emphasis on your shoulders, lower back, hamstrings, hips, and quadriceps. Always stretch before putting your muscles under strenuous activity, such as weightlifting or going for a long run. Cold muscles should never be stretched, however, so make sure to do a light warm up prior to your stretching session.

 

When regular exercise and a good diet isn’t enough to alleviate your aching joints, help is available. The experts at Orthopaedic Specialty Group have been helping patients like you manage their joint pain for several years. Visit our website for more information or call (203) 337-2600 to schedule an appointment.