We all tend to take our joints for granted — until they begin complaining. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, one in every two adults are affected by a musculoskeletal condition during their lifetime.
Accidents happen, sports injuries strike unexpectedly and aging can take its toll on joints. But there are many steps you can take to reduce your odds of needing
Take It Easy
A lot of preventable injuries stem from too-much-too-soon syndrome. If you haven’t worked out in years, it is important to ease in and let your body adjust instead of jumping right into intensive exercises like running 3 miles or doing CrossFit or Insanity workouts. Listen to your body when exercising.
Stay Flexible
Warming up before you exercise and building your flexibility can help prevent injury.
Build Strength
Work strength training into your exercise routine. Strong muscles can help protect your joints, and building overall core strength can get your body ready for more advanced workouts or team sports.
Go For The Gear
Wear recommended protective gear when you play sports. Remember that injuries that happen when you’re young can set the stage for arthritis when you’re older.
Lighten Up
Excess body weight adds stress to your hips, knees, ankles and feet with every step you take. Dropping some weight will help take extra pounds of force off of your joints.
Save Your Money
According to the National Institutes of Health, there’s no evidence that glucosamine or chondroitin supplements ease arthritis pain. Instead, talk to your doctor and focus on treatments that have been proven to help your specific condition.
Protect Your Knees
Competitive athletes, especially those in high school and college, can improve balance, strength and coordination with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs. These programs have been shown to reduce ACL injuries by 80 percent, and they help prevent other types of knee injuries as well.
Ask an Expert
If your pain lasts more than six weeks or limits your range of motion, see your doctor. If the pain stems from arthritis, treating it early can help preserve your joint.