On an everyday basis, your knees bear the weight of your body and make it possible to sit, stand, and bend down. As you get older, age-related changes in the knee joints can be a source of pain, so it’s important to do what you can now to protect your joint health.
At AABP Integrative Pain Care, we specialize in managing chronic knee pain caused by injuries or degenerative diseases.
Our skilled medical team focuses on the least invasive therapy to restore joint mobility and relieve pain. We also offer educational resources to help you keep your knee joints safe and functional.
While movement is good for the knees, too much activity can strain the joint and increase your risk of inflammation, swelling, and pain, even while you’re young.
You may be more likely to develop premature degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis if you overuse your knee joints while playing sports, jogging on hard surfaces, or frequently lifting heavy objects.
Aging also plays a role in your knee joint health. As you get older, the ligaments and other tissues that support your knee joint aren’t as flexible as they once were. This can lead to persistent stiffness and a lesser range of motion in the joint. A loss of synovial fluid, a natural substance that lubricates the joint, can also limit joint mobility.
Age-related changes in the knee joints might also leave you susceptible to painful conditions like:
Additionally, the muscles supporting your knees can grow weaker with age and increase joint stress.
There are several lifestyle changes you can start making now to benefit your future knee health. Here are five simple strategies you can add to your routine to keep your knee joints healthy and strong:
Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the knee joints, which can damage the cartilage, ligaments, and bone. Your weight can also contribute to chronic inflammation and knee pain.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are good starting points for weight loss. If you need help, our team can recommend a program.
When, especially if you regularly run or play sports. You should also be cautious when lifting heavy items.
At the first sign of knee pain, stop what you’re doing and rest. To minimize pain and inflammation, elevate your knees and apply ice packs.
If you don’t pay attention to your posture, you may unknowingly stress your joints and cause spinal misalignments that affect many of them.
Keep your shoulders back, your head in line with your body, and your feet shoulder-width apart when standing. Good sitting posture includes keeping your back straight and your feet flat on the floor, allowing your knees to rest at an angle slightly lower than your hips.
Eating a diet of calcium-rich foods supports your long-term joint health. Vitamin D is also important for strong bones.
Fortified cereals, milk, fish, and egg yolks support joint health. If your diet does not provide enough nutrients, consider adding supplements.
High heels, flip-flops, and other shoe styles can negatively affect many joints in your body, including your feet, ankles, and knees. Eventually, the consequences of unsupportive shoes can impact your mobility.
Invest in good-quality, rounded, or square shoes with sufficient space for your toes. The shoes must also be flexible and provide adequate cushioning and support.
Call AABP Integrative Pain Care in Garden City or Brooklyn, New York, today for more tips or to discuss your treatment options for age-related knee pain. You can also book a consultation online.
