Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, there is no cure for joint deterioration. Only supportive treatment options are available to help maintain joint mobility and flexibility. However, some individuals may begin to experience signs of joint pain earlier than others.
Key factors contributing to early cartilage deterioration and joint stiffness include age, joint injuries, obesity, genetics, and more. Based on these risk factors, incorporating appropriate therapies into your daily routine for joints is essential. Gain insight into simple health practices to combat the early signs of aging and ensure smooth physical functioning.
Top 5 Strategies for Natural Joint Support
A healthy lifestyle is the only way to care for your bones and joints, preventing joint stiffness, injuries, or ligament tears. Have a look at some joint-friendly habits, helpful towards physical fitness, irrespective of age:
- Health Food Choices
Based on research, a nutrient-enriched diet can prevent joint disorders by promoting cartilage metabolism. You can maintain bone health and regenerate cartilage with food enriched in calcium, phosphorus, protein, Vitamin C, zinc, and Vitamin D.
For calcium and Vitamin D, dairy products are recommended. Citrus fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, are rich sources of phosphorus. Likewise, you can meet protein requirements with both animal and plant-based foods like fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, etc. For zinc, you need to add lean red meat and cheese.
- Taking Natural Supplements
Joint pain can be an early sign of chronic illness, so timely interventions are a must. Instead of relying on painkillers that only numb the sensations, go for natural treatment like gummies for pain. This non-pharmacological therapy helps in managing and treating inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD is one of the therapeutic cannabinoids, giving positive results for managing symptoms of arthritis. It improves mobility with its pain-relieving properties, helping patients have an active lifestyle. Generally, this natural compound is considered safe and free of side effects. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using it regularly.
- Low-Impact Exercises
For maintaining the flexibility of joint tissues, regular physical activity is necessary. But you need to pick moderate to low-impact ones to prevent any injuries. Biking or simple walking are two perfect exercises for joint health as they exert minimal load on weight-bearing joints.
Moreover, obesity is one of the leading risk factors behind the early appearance of osteoarthritis. Poor food choices and an inactive lifestyle result in being overweight. So, exercise not only sustains joint flexibility but is also helpful for optimal weight management.
- Taking Enough Liquids
Synovial fluid is a thick liquid that offers enough cushioning for smooth bone movement during any activity. It reduces wear and tear on bones by preventing friction. This fluid is mainly composed of water, and in case of degradation, its volume reduces significantly. This condition accelerates the wear and tear on connective tissues, leading to pain.
Taking care of your water requirement is an effective way to maintain joint flexibility, preventing stiffness. Moreover, enough hydration also flushes away inflammatory toxins, which would otherwise result in inflammation and pain. So, keep your body hydrated with enough liquid throughout the day.
- Proper Posture
Another factor behind joint degradation and cartilage thinning is poor sitting, standing, or lying posture. When you have poor posture, weight is distributed unevenly, causing strain on joints. So ensure you focus on your body alignment. Stand and sit straight, with your shoulders relaxed and no bends. Keep your spine correctly aligned and avoid a slouching posture, as it puts strain on joints.
Conclusion
Physical fitness involves maintaining strong bones and flexible joints. As we age, bone density decreases, and joints can become stiff due to cartilage degradation. This natural aging process can be accelerated or slowed down depending on your lifestyle choices. All the above-mentioned joint health tips support joint health by strengthening tissues, cartilage, ligaments, bones, etc.
Remember, significant joint damage is irreversible and has no cure. It’s essential to take proactive, preventive measures.
