Joint Health Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy As You Age

Joint Health Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy As You Age

For many, joint pain and stiffness become a normal part of the aging process.joint health But it doesn’t have to be that way. Studies show that taking steps to manage pain and stay active can help keep your joints healthy as you age.

A nutritious diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods can make a huge difference in your joint health.joint health Incorporating antioxidant-rich berries, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, cherries, pineapple, and oily fish into your weekly meal plan can support a healthy immune system that fights inflammation.

Eating a diet rich in healthy fats is also important. Avocado, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish (salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, anchovy, and sardines) contain monounsaturated fats that provide joint-healthy benefits. Fatty fish also provide omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the body’s production of inflammatory compounds.

Regular aerobic exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and strengthens the muscles that support your joints. Getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week can help prevent and slow the progression of degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis. It’s important to always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new fitness routine, especially if you have a history of joint pain or injury.

You can also ease discomfort by using topical treatments such as ointments and gels that you rub into your skin over the affected area to reduce swelling. You may be able to find some over the counter, but stronger doses will require a prescription.

Medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol(r)) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also help with pain relief. But be careful with over-the-counter medications, and check with your healthcare provider before taking any to make sure they are safe for you.

Dietary supplements can also help reduce pain and improve joint function. But it’s important to note that nutritional therapy and other lifestyle changes are the best approach to improving and maintaining joint health.

Adding these healthy habits to your routine can help you live a more comfortable life and increase the time between joint replacements. The Duke Joint Health Program offers a comprehensive, personalized plan that includes physical and occupational therapists and registered dietitians who work together to create an individualized treatment plan that targets your pain, physical function, activity level, nutrition, weight management, stress, anxiety, and sleep to help you move well at every stage of life. Learn more about the program and register for a free in-person or virtual appointment.

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