We use our joints almost constantly and don’t think twice about it. That is, we don’t notice our joints until they become painful. Joint pain is caused by activities, injuries, and underlying conditions – arthritis is one of the leading causes. Often, we assume that joint pain is inevitable and will certainly happen as we get older.
The good news is that joint pain doesn’t have to be a guarantee. Even though Stem Cell Carolina offers stem cell treatments to help with joint pain, our ultimate goal is to ensure people get the pain relief they need. By taking preventative measures, you might not ever have to deal with joint pain.
Read on for tips to protect your joints, and contact our stem cell treatment center for the regenerative therapies you need.
Maintain a healthy weight.
It can be so challenging to do, but maintaining a healthy weight is so important.
Our joints undergo a lot of impact throughout our lives, and excess weight only adds to the pressure. Every pound lost removes four pounds of pressure from your knee. The effects of arthritis may even slow if enough weight is lost. For every ten pounds a patient loses, joint pain may be reduced by as much as 20%.
Losing weight as we get older can be very difficult (though not impossible). Build healthy habits when you can, and work to keep extra weight off all throughout your life. This can have a significant impact on your joint pain.
Stretch regularly.
Most people don’t stretch regularly or stretch properly, and this can have lasting damage to muscles and joints. Stretching should be done before a workout, after a workout, and even when you don’t complete a workout. Stretching fights stiffness and protects the cartilage from more wear and tear.
Make time to stretch your body every single day, and be extra vigilant when you participate in various exercises. Take on yoga and pilates as a part of your regular workout routine to increase flexibility and to get even more opportunities for stretching.
Switch up your workouts.
Those who work out regularly and do lots of cardio tend to think this is the only way to get a “true” workout. They feel like if their heart rate isn’t elevated or they’re not really having to work and endure through their fitness, it doesn’t count.
Conversely, those who lift all the time often feel like this is the only way to work out. If they skip a day of lifting, they’re going to lose muscle mass and undo their hard-earned progress.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Part of a balanced workout means bringing in different fitness routines to help strengthen different parts of the body. Plus, only doing one workout all the time puts excess strain and pressure on those particular muscles and joints — the exact opposite of what our stem cell treatment center wants people to do!
Strengthening your muscles through weightlifting and weight training is just as important as getting cardio in and vice versa. Cardio gets your heart pumping, which can send more oxygenated blood cells throughout your body. This gives your cartilage the nourishment it needs to be healthy and last longer. Weightlifting strengthens your muscles, which help absorb the shock from movements around your joints.
Having a balanced workout is one of the best ways to target all of your muscles and joints. Do the best that you can to get in multiple workouts every week, but also find that balance of not overdoing it.
Eat a healthy diet.
We talked about this in a previous blog, but there are many foods that can actually worsen your joint pain or cause it to flare up. Processed foods and sugars, gluten, alcohol, salt, MSG, and red meat are all some examples of things that should be avoided, particularly if you’re trying to prevent joint pain from happening.
Instead, cook dishes that have lots of vegetables in them, and eat fresh fruits as well. Fish, garlic, onions, ginger, and olive oil are all some other foods that can help your joint pain not be as severe.
Listen to your body.
Are certain things giving your joints grief? Is it challenging for you to do certain things that you could previously do with ease?
Listening to your body is one of the most crucial parts of managing and preventing joint pain. If something doesn’t feel right in your body, but you decide to push through it, you could very well end up in significant pain or even experience permanent damage. As U.S. News reports, “Stretching a tendon just 4 percent beyond its original length can cause permanent damage.”
At Stem Cell Carolina, we understand that it can be frustrating. Perhaps you once ran marathons and now are in pain after only a mile or so. For the sake of preventing further damage, always listen to your body. Getting in that final workout for the week is not worth it if you end up with an injury.
Find alternatives for some of the higher-impact activities you once enjoyed — swimming, yoga, cycling, and walking are all excellent ways to keep up with your fitness without causing your joints added strain.
Contact Stem Cell Carolina
If you’ve done all of these things and are still experiencing joint pain, you’re not alone. So many have chosen to try our stem cell treatment and regenerative therapies because they know it will make a difference with their cartilage and joints.
You could experience the same results. All it takes is a consultation with our stem cell center in Charlotte. Contact us today to experience the pain relief you deserve.
