Caring for Your Joints at Home

Knowing how to care for our joints becomes increasingly more important as we age. Joints form the connections between our bones and they provide support for all of our daily movement. Any damage to them whether it stems for disease, overuse or injury can interfere with your day to day life or even cause you pain. If you are experiencing joint pain and discomfort, you’re not alone. Many people are limited in their activities as a result of joint pain and we want to encourage you to begin managing or preventing joint pain altogether. Here are some simple things you can begin doing at home that will help you ease symptoms that we hope will work for you! 

1. Lose Weight – If you are overweight, losing weight can relieve some of the pressure from your joints. Sticking to low impact exercises that won’t further the pain in your joints is important. Swimming, yoga and bicycling are all great exercises to try. The important things is to remain active. 

2. Protect Your Joints –  Wearing a brace or a wrap to support the injured joint is a good place to start. Your doctor may recommend that you tape or splint the joint to minimize movement or reduce pain. Keep in mind that limiting your joints for too long can eventually make them become stiff.

3. Eating Beneficial Foods – Some joint pain conditions can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet. Including fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, dark leafy greens, plenty of colorful vegetables and reducing dairy intake can all help relieve pain. 

4. Use Topical Pain Relief Medication – If you are experiencing pain such as in your hands and knees, you may find relief from topical medication. 

5. Cool or Heat – Depending on the condition, using heat or cold can help alleviate your symptoms. Using a heating pad, taking a hot or ice bath, placing ice packs on your joints are all effective ways to relax your muscles and relieve joint pain. 

6. Evaluate Your Posture – Whether you sit at a desk or spend much of your day on your feet, it is a good idea to evaluate your posture when you are in a prolonged position or activity. Sitting correctly or wearing the right shoes will help your joints feel relief throughout the day. 

No matter what treatment is recommended if your pain persists, becomes intense or your joint is swollen, speak with your doctor about the different options available to you. Evaluating every part of your life can take some time but many little changes at home can bring favorable results in reducing the discomfort and pain in your joints. 

Disclaimer: You should always consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs.