5 Ways You Can Be Kinder to Your Joints

Joints make movement possible. For instance, several joints are involved in even simple moves like grasping a pencil, opening a door, or lifting a coffee cup. It makes sense that you’d want to protect your joints as much as possible. We can help.

Your joints endure a lot of wear and tear daily, making them vulnerable to painful injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis. Additionally, joints rely on healthy muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissue structures to function, sometimes making it even trickier to keep them healthy.

Our team at NYC Pain MD offers nonsurgical solutions for painful knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints affected by disease, injury, or daily wear and tear. Our treatment focus includes preventing worsening or future joint damage.

Fortunately, there are things you can do, starting today, to help maintain joint health and functionality.

Try these suggestions to protect your joint health:

Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying excess weight stresses your joints, particularly those in the knees, hips, and spine.

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the strain on these joints, lowering the risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is vital for keeping joints flexible and strong while benefiting the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the joints.

Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga are excellent choices, as they provide cardiovascular benefits without putting excessive pressure on the joints.

Strength-training exercises focusing on the muscles around the joints can also help stabilize them, reducing the risk of injuries.

Practice proper posture

Maintaining good posture is essential for joint health, particularly in your neck, back, hips, and knees. Poor posture can lead to misalignment and uneven weight distribution, increasing the risk of joint pain and discomfort.

Whether sitting or standing, be mindful of your posture. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders back, and distribute your body weight evenly to minimize strain on your joints. Check your workplace ergonomics and make appropriate changes to your desk setup.

Pamper your joints

Protecting your joints from potential injuries is essential when engaging in physical activities or tasks that involve repetitive motion or heavy lifting.

For instance, wear supportive footwear that provides adequate cushioning and stability, especially during high-impact activities like running, soccer, or basketball.

Use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects by bending your knees and keeping your back straight to reduce strain on your spine and knees.

If you’re starting a new exercise program or planning to increase your workout for sports or other reasons, start slowly and build strength and flexibility as you go. A trainer, physical therapist, or exercise professional can assess your planned routine, dynamic posture during training, and equipment use.

Listen to your body

One of the most crucial aspects of joint care is listening to your body's signals. If you experience pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints, address it promptly.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further damage and complications. Rest when needed, and don't push through pain during sports, your exercise routine, or daily activities.

If you notice joint pain, stiffness, or other concerning symptoms, schedule an evaluation at NYC Pain MD today for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Call us or request an appointment online. We’re located in Astoria, Queens, and in the Financial District of Manhattan in New York City.