Cartilages and joints are found all over our bodies, they protect the body from stress by preventing friction between bones, allowing smooth movements, and maintaining structure in some parts of the body. In this article we’ll be discussing some tips you can take note of in taking care of your cartilages and joints.
Do physical activities
Having regular exercise is very important in taking care of your joints. It may sound like it could put stress on your cartilages, but in truth, this preserves our joint health. Regular physical activities help strengthen the muscles around the joints, taking some pressure off of the cartilages. It also improves the flow of nutrients to the cartilages. Low-impact activities such as biking, swimming, and walking are helpful for those who are experiencing some joint pains(mostly for people at the age of 50 and above).
Have a healthy diet
Eating food rich in protein, vitamins, and nutrients is good for your joints and cartilages. Portion control is also important when it comes to having a healthy diet. When it comes to joint pain, supplements for joint pain abound. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most commonly sold, but there is little evidence of their effectiveness. It’s better to get your nutrients from fresh food and the right proportion of meals.
Always stay hydrated
If you are dehydrated, your body will begin to absorb water from other sources, including the cartilage, most of which is water (about 80%). However, drawing water from the cartilage reduces its lubricity, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness. Drinking water also flushes toxins out of your body and prevents further joint damage. Always keep yourself hydrated, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Maintain your body weight
This comes in line with having a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints of your lower body(such as knees and ankles). Pain and discomfort can occur when drastic weight gain happens. Being underweight can cause problems with cartilages as well, having lack of muscle development around the joints can be a serious issue when not taken care of. You’ll need proper exercises, a healthy diet, and hydration to prevent your joints from being stiff or sore.
Pain management
For some people cartilage pain is often experienced every now and then even when having regular physical activities. Sometimes, it can escalate over time when not treated but there are simple ways to get rid of joint pains. You should first identify where the pain is. Ice and compression works for some people, but if the pain still exists, try to take some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine(such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or pain relievers, this can help soothe the pain if it gets worse. There are also topical pain relievers available in pharmacies with less side effects compared to oral medicines, but it would be best if you consult with a professional rather than trying all of these medications on your own to know the cause and treatment of your joint pains.
