Simple steps everyone can take to maintain healthy and flexible joints. Continue long runs, tennis matches, yoga classes for years to come.
- Manage your weight - You won't just look better - you'll feel better, too. Every extra pound puts four times the stress on your knees and other weight-bearing joints. The good part is that even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief.
- Use good technique - When sitting, standing and especially when lifting, using the proper technique will prevent fatigue and injury. Ask an expert if you don't know how to do it, but be sure to assess your technique for these simple daily activities.
- Make a date with your doctor - See a physician for a routine check-up at least once a year. Request an examination of your joints - from head to toe - and ask for tips on protecting your joints from daily stress. It's never too soon to learn self-management techniques.
- Be supplement savvy - Dietary supplements like glucosamine have been proven to maintain joint function and mobility. Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body, but due to the physical demands of everyday life (let alone running, tennis, yoga), our body's supply is often not enough.
- Stretch - Stretching isn't just for workouts. Take breaks throughout the day, especially at the office, to get re-energized. Range-of-motion exercises are a good way to keep muscles and ligaments flexible and strong.
He's an orthopedic surgeon at the Stone Clinic in San Francisco, former physician for the U.S. Ski Team and founder of Joint Juice®, a San Francisco-based joint health beverage company.
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