Tips for Good Orthopedic Health
Tips for Good Orthopedic Health
Of course, as we age, it’s important to keep your mind sharp, your heart healthy, and your cholesterol low. We hear about this often, as more and more Americans deal with age-related health problems and cognitive issues. Less emphasis is placed upon joint and bone health, which is unfortunate. While we certainly need our minds and hearts to live better, healthier lives, we also use our joints and bones every day!
A decline in joint and bone health can bring pain and discomfort, disability, and a much lower quality of life. Luckily, there are some simple preventative measures that you can take now to ensure that your joints and bones work for you well into the future.
Choose Supportive Footwear
This sounds obvious, but many people would be surprised at the number of orthopedic issues that stem from wearing the wrong shoes. If you suffer from pain in any way, from back pain to aching ankles and toes, your shoes could be making things worse.
Even something as simple as tight sneakers or uncomfortable high heels could lead to more than just blisters. Without ample arch support, the body quickly becomes misaligned. Pain, lack of circulation, and inability to walk properly are all signs that you should do research and invest in shoes that offer arch support, comfort, and flexibility. This is the rule with both men and women.
Move and Stretch
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, the lack of movement will eventually catch up with you. Exercise can be performed at any age, and as we get older, it is smart to incorporate stretching exercises into our daily exercise regimen.
The good thing is that you don’t have to head to a yoga class every morning or sign up for expensive training sessions to move and flex your joints. While yoga and training are both wonderful ways to stay in shape, you can easily perform stretches in your own home, even while sitting down. During moments of good weather, head outside and take a brisk walk, and be sure to do some light stretching before you begin.
With stretching, remember to avoid pain and discomfort. Move and bend, but not to the point where something hurts, or you sense that you may injure yourself. Everyone has different abilities and a different level of tolerance. Ultimately, you know best what movements and stretches to perform to avoid weak joints and bones.
Know Your Body and Avoid Accidents
Many of us have a joint or an area that we feel is a “weak spot”. If you have a lingering back injury, do not tempt fate. Take extra steps to ensure that you are lifting items by distributing weight and that you are bending your knees to reach the floor. Avoid chairs and mattresses that offer no lumbar support. This goes for any area of your body, any joint or bone that is weakened or uncomfortable. Make adjustments, and work to strengthen those areas gently and gradually.
Additionally, favor the larger joints for bigger jobs. Use your entire arm and shoulder to lift objects in your hand. Use the strength of your entire core to push and pull objects. Cradle lifted items close to your body to stabilize yourself and eliminate unnecessary strain and hunching.
Seek Medical Advice If Issues Persist
If you do begin to experience pain or a lack of mobility, early intervention is key. Joint and bone problems only get worse if they are not addressed. For information regarding orthopedic health in Connecticut, call the Orthopaedic Specialists of Connecticut and make an appointment: 203-775-6205. Our team can assist you with treatment plans, preventative measures, and solutions for pain management.