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Keeping Your Joints Healthy

A joint is where two or more bones are joined together.  Most joints allow for movement like those found in your spine, knees, elbows, hips and shoulders.  Many times the end of the bones in a joint are covered in cartilage.  Healthy cartilage helps you move by allowing bones to glide over one another.  It also protects bones by preventing them from rubbing against each other.

Some people get arthritis, which is not actually a single disease but an informal way of referring to any disorder that affects the joints.  There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.  Although you might think arthritis affects only older people, it can affect young people, too.

Joint disorders can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and lead to loss of movement and limited mobility.  Keeping your joints healthy will allow you to run, walk, play sports and do the other things you like to do.  While different types of arthritis require different treatments, there are steps you can take to help preserve and protect your joints.

Check out these suggestions.

1.  Lose weight.  Even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees a break.  Research has shown that losing as little as 11 pounds may improve your joint health and cut your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

2.  Strengthen your abs.  Strong abs are necessary to create overall core strength and balance.  Studies show that improving strength and balance are key to preventing falls and protecting joints from damage.0234939001564072050.jpg

3.  Build strong bones.  Eat a diet rich in calcium to keep your bones strong and to lower your risk of osteoporosis.  Dairy, broccoli, kale, figs, salmon and calcium supplements are good sources.

4.  Get a massage.  Massage loosens tight muscles, increases circulation, calms the nervous system and increases flexibility and range o motion in joints.

5.  Kick the habit.  People who smoke have a greater risk of fracture than non-smokers.  Smoking reduces bone mass, which can lead to osteoporosis.

6.  Consider supplements.  Glucosamine has been shown to ease joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.  Some studies suggest that it may help with cartilage repair.

7.  Lift correctly.   Lift with your legs, since the leg and glute muscles are larger and stronger than the muscles in the back and along the spine.  When carrying heavy loads, hold items close to your body, which is less stressful for your joints.


 

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Rulli Chiropractic Clinic

Monday:

9:00am - 1:00pm

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Tuesday:

9:00am - 1:00pm

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Wednesday:

9:00am - 1:00pm

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Thursday:

9:00am - 1:00pm

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Friday:

7:00am - 12:00pm

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Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed