Answers to your joint health questions
Q. How can I keep my joints healthy?
A. Activity lubricates your joints keeping them from becoming stiff. Stretch every day and remember motion is lotion!
Q. What kind of exercise is best for my joints?
A. Weight lifting and resistance training is especially good for increasing bone density in women. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, and walking help you stay active without putting strain on painful joints. Exercise nourishes cartilage in your joints.
Q. How often should I exercise to keep my joints healthy?
A. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days each week is recommended.
Q. When is it best to use heat for sore muscles?
A. Using heat can help stretch muscles around joints and promote relaxation.
Q. When is it best to use ice for sore muscles?
A. Using ice can help with minor aches and pains and improve exercise tolerance
Q. Do you have recommendations for over-the-counter medications?
A. Over the counter medications such as Glucosamine and Chrondrotitin, provide some pain relief, but do not rebuild cartilage. If you get good results from using these medications, continue using them. If you have not noticed a change in 30 days or more, try something else. Don’t throw your money away on over the counter medications that do not work.
Q. Are there any vitamins that can help strengthen joints?
A. Taking calcium and vitamin D together is important for women to prevent osteoporosis.
Q. How do I know if I have osteoarthritis?
A. Getting a proper diagnosis of osteoarthritis is most important. Visit your primary care physician, or an orthopedic physician to help you through this process.