Orthopedic Health Tips

Orthopedic Health Tips

Orthopedic issues can impact your life tremendously. Ongoing, untreated bone and joint problems can lead to discomfort, injury, and can even prevent you from enjoying daily activities. Experts have shared a few helpful reminders that could help you alleviate orthopedic problems and promote good bone and joint health long into the future.

First, don’t forget to stay active! Daily exercise is critical for maintaining strong bones and joints, as well as for keeping yourself in shape and in better health overall. It’s important to assess your abilities and to ease into a routine that suits your body and your lifestyle, especially if you are not someone who regularly exercises. For strengthening exercises, low impact is key. Avoid lifting heavy weights or high impact cardio, which could put unnecessary strain on joints. Stretching and cooling down are important steps, as well. Stretching will help increase mobility and flexibility, and cooling down will help prevent soreness and post-workout injuries.

Second, make sure that you are thinking of orthopedic health when you go shopping. Many fashionable shoes look great but could be uncomfortable and unsupportive, throwing your feet, back, and everything else into a world of pain. High heels can place stress on ankles, and tight shoes can lead to foot and toe deformities and other problems. Restrictive clothing can inhibit flexibility and circulation. Also, consider using a suitcase or briefcase with wheels, or a smaller bag or purse, to promote better posture and spine alignment. Your mattress and pillows deserve extra consideration, too. Supportive sleep is essential for overall orthopedic health.

Third, maintain a diet with an eye on your orthopedic health. Think of your Calcium and Vitamin D intake. Dairy products, eggs, and fish containing “healthy” fats are reliable sources of Calcium and Vitamin D. Since Vitamin D is sometimes hard to come by in foods, reasonable doses of sunlight are a good source. Taking a high-quality Calcium and/or Vitamin D supplement is recommended.

Finally, be on the lookout for pain and strain. If you notice any changes in your bone and joint health, treat the swelling with ice, get plenty of rest, and make an appointment with a trusted orthopedic specialist.

The Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut team is fully committed to helping you maintain orthopedic health and prevent injury so that you can lead a full and pain-free life. If you are experiencing any signs of decreased mobility, injury, or if you have any concerns about your bone and joint health, give us a call at 203-775-6205. You can also find more information about our services by visiting the Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut website.