Joints within the human body are a wonder of engineering. In fact, in some cases, a healthy knee can absorb vertical force that is equal to roughly seven times a person’s body weight! Unfortunately, knee pain is all too common. What are some simple and natural things that you can do to keep your precious joints lubricated and healthy? This blog post contains a few helpful tips.
Stay Hydrated!
In order for the fluid that lubricates your joints (called synovial fluid) to function well, you need to make sure that your body has enough fluid period! Be sure to drink enough water and consume electrolytes throughout the day, and pay extra attention to hydration when you are hot or engaging in vigorous physical activities.
Warm Up
To activate lubrication within your joints, you should start any workout session with a gentle warmup. 5 – 10 minutes of light activity can prepare your knees to withstand the more strenuous movement that is about to happen.
Stretch Regularly
Too many people underestimate the importance of stretching. Regularly stretching your joints opens blood vessels, reduces stiffness, and encourages better joint health.
Strength Train
Any balanced workout routine should include 2 – 3 strength training sessions each week. Lifting weights or simply performing body weight exercises encourages muscle development. That is important because muscles, along with tendons and ligaments, play a role in protecting the joints from damage.
Do Not Forget to Rest
Movement is essential for healthy joints! However, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Overtraining can put stress on your joints, leading to aches, pains, and even outright injuries. Listen to your body, and do not be afraid to take a day or two off of your workout routine every once in a while. Or, if you still want to exercise, do something gentle, such as going for a pleasant stroll around the neighborhood.
Manage Your Weight
Carrying excess weight puts a lot of stress on your knee joints. Obesity also increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Therefore, if you are on the heavier side, it would be beneficial to shed a few pounds. Do not resort to extreme diets that could leave you undernourished. Instead, talk to a qualified doctor or nutritionist about coming up with a reasonable and healthy weight loss plan.
Seek Help if Necessary
Joint pain and stiffness are extremely common, but you may not have to live with them. Many doctors offer non-surgical and natural treatments for reducing knee pain and promoting healing of injured tissues.
Your knees are among the most important joints in your body! Use the tips in this article to keep them healthy and strong.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland is a board-certified specialist in Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine. He offers a number of non-invasive treatments that can help with knee pain and other orthopedic conditions. If you would like to improve your joint health, Dr. Tortland and our team are ready to consult with you. Contact the New England Stem Cell Institute at 860-430-2821.