It first dawned on me that I
was getting older when I started
waking up with more than the usual aches and pains. It was a subtle realization that arthritis-like symptoms were about to
become more than just a nuisance. We
have come to accept that a tough day at work or a vigorous workout at the gym
can result in a certain amount of discomfort.
In the past we were able to eliminate pain and discomfort by icing sore
muscles and joints and popping a few pills.
Yes, pain and discomfort can be tempered by taking pills, getting
cortisone injections or having joint replacement surgery, but that isn’t the
whole story. A little stiffness may seem
normal but if it becomes necessary to rely on pain killers over a long period
of time, it ceases to be normal and can border on dangerous.
Dr. Elizabeth Smoots (www.drsmoots.com) once again reminds us
about treating our body well. Her
article about preventing or delaying arthritis in the Herald (www.heraldnet.com/living) on
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 was quite thought provoking. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis
(degenerative joint disease) is not a stranger to anyone over 60, and by now
you are probably wishing that you had taken better care of yourself when you
still had the option. All of the
articles that I have read on the subject have said pretty much the same thing.
Taking care of your joints isn’t much difference than the advice given for
taking care of our other systems. Much
of it is common sense and we should
have been paying attention.
I have osteoarthritis in my thumbs from repetitive stress (why didn’t I
know about that when I was working and allowing this to happen to me?). When osteoarthritis occurs the end result is
pain, loss of motion, and sometimes even disability. Unfortunately there is no cure for
osteoarthritis but you can study your risk factors (older age, heredity, being
a female, obesity, joint injuries and certain diseases) and plan ahead. Of course prevention is the key, but other than hearing about how multiple
sports injuries could lead to osteoarthritis I wasn’t paying much attention.
Admit it. You already know that repetitive strain on
muscles and joints can’t be good for you. Chronic aches and pains caused by
work, hobbies, or recreational activities are not normal. Twinges,
aches, swelling, and stabbing pains are symptoms that something is not
right. Most of us ignore the signs
until we can’t stand it anymore. Hands,
hips and knees are prime targets. Repetitive
or forceful motions with your hands
and squatting, heavy lifting, physical labor or sports injuries can spell
trouble. If you see your doctor at the
first signs of chronic strain or pain you may be able to head off a
disaster. What can be done? The formula is pretty much the same as it is
for other health related problems:
Exercise regularly
but be mindful and don’t abuse your joints.
A sedentary lifestyle increases your odds of developing all sorts of
health problems including osteoarthritis.
Exercise builds stronger and more flexible joints. Exercises like yoga will also increase muscle
tone, flexibility and joint range of motion.
Diet: Being
overweight puts you at risk. We have
many good foods available to us but poor food choices, stress, alcohol
consumption and medications may contribute to poor joint health. Get enough Vitamins C and D.
Hydration: I read that water makes up 70% of the
cartilage in joints and plays a major role in lubrication and shock absorbing
properties. Wow. I didn’t know that.
We all know about
cardiovascular prevention but it is time to think a little bit about joint problem prevention too. Incorporate joint friendly strategies into
your lifestyle.
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