Women are more likely to have joint pain conditions like arthritis and have more intense pain than men. Keeping your joints healthy is a priority and may prevent the physical and emotional stress that comes with arthritis and other joint pain conditions.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team of primary care specialists manage all of our patients’ health needs, from general health to reproductive health to chronic conditions like arthritis.
Because of the toll joint pain takes on quality of life, we’re using this space to share some tips every woman should know to keep joints healthy.
Have you ever noticed a bit of achiness in your joints after sitting for a long period? When not in use, your joints stiffen, causing some minor discomfort that makes it more difficult to fully move the joint.
Staying active is one of the best things you can do to keep your joints healthy. We recommend joint-friendly exercises like walking, swimming, and biking. And remember to stretch after your workout. Stretching lengthens the muscles and ligaments that support the joint, improving range of motion.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. It’s a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs from the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the joints. More weight puts more stress on the joints, increasing the risk and rate of cartilage degeneration.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces extra stress on your joints, improving overall health. If you have arthritis, getting to and staying at a healthy weight may reduce pain and delay progression of the disease.
Eating a balanced diet is good for your weight and your joints. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and good sources of calcium to keep your body and joints healthy. Regular exercise also helps with weight management.
Aerobic exercise is great for your bones, heart, and joints, but don’t limit workouts to walking and biking. Add muscle-building exercises into your routine, too.
The muscles surrounding a joint support movement. Strengthening these supportive muscles redistributes the amount of weight placed on the joint itself, reducing stress and strain.
Free weights, body-resistance exercises, and yoga are great muscle-building workouts.
Joint pain is common and occurs from many causes. But don’t ignore the pain, especially if it’s persistent or severe. Repetitive movements can overwork the joint, causing pain. Without proper care, continued use of a stressed joint may cause permanent damage.
If you have recurring joint pain, swelling in a joint, or pain that’s getting worse, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC. Knowing the cause of your joint pain helps us determine the best treatment.
Your joints keep you mobile, and doing everything possible to keep them healthy benefits your physical and psychological well-being.
If you have joint pain that’s affecting your quality of life, call us today at the office nearest you, or use our online appointment request form to schedule a visit with one of our primary care providers.
