Healthy Joint Habits for a Healthy You
By Sara Butler
Joints are not always the most forgiving things. Quite often, they can give you a hard time – or at the very least, make some things more difficult! They do a lot of working to carry you through the world, so there’s bound to be problems. And as you age, those problems seem to get worse. But you don’t have to sit back and just take whatever your joints throw at you! You can encourage healthy joints by making a few of these things habits for joint health!
See a Chiropractor
Regular visits to the chiropractor ensure that your joints are working optimally. That means less abnormal wear and tear and more comfortable joints. Adjustments at The Joint can help to keep you free from joint restrictions and dysfunction, helping your body to work better and setting your joints up for success!
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The weight of your body has a huge impact on your joints, so it makes sense that a healthy weight would encourage healthy joints. Extra weight places extra stress on the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Cultivating habits that help you to maintain a healthy weight is a good way to improve joint health and overall health, too!
Exercise
Exercise is great for your joints. It keeps them flexible and improves mobility. It also builds up the muscles around the joints to help give them a little extra support. Low impact exercise is the best for the joints. This includes activities such as cycling, water aerobics, tai chi, and walking. Plus, regular exercise helps to encourage a healthy weight, so it’s a double win!
Dress Appropriately
When it comes to fashion, your joints will let you know what they don’t like! High heels are a huge offender when it comes to poor joint health since they place stress on the joints and disrupt the body’s natural center of gravity, requiring some joints to work overtime in order to support the body. Your shoes need to be sensible and have flexible soles in order to do their job – which is supporting the body and encouraging joint health.
Go Get a Massage
Massages are great things, so do your joints a favor and have one from time to time. They help to alleviate fatigue and reduce stress. Some types of massage even focus on certain joints or areas of the body to help relieve symptoms you may be experiencing. Don’t wait until you’re already in pain to treat yourself to a good, professional massage!
Joints only require more care the older that you get, so cultivating good habits to support healthy joints early in life is crucial. You have to treat your joints right if you want them to stay healthy throughout your life, so give them the proper care they require. If you’re unsure how to best care for your joints, the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic are great sources of information!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.