A joint is the connection between two bones. Joints and their surrounding structures allow you to bend your elbows and knees, wiggle your hips, bend your back, turn your head, and wave your fingers.
Smooth tissue called cartilage and synovium and a lubricant called synovial fluid cushion the joints so bones do not rub together. But increasing age, injury -- even sitting the wrong way or carrying too much weight -- can wear and tear your cartilage. This can lead to a reaction that can damage your joints and lead to arthritis.
The best way to care for your joints is to keep them and your muscles, ligaments, and bones strong and stable.
Kettering Physician Network
orthopedic specialists are Ohio's top choice for joint and orthopedic care, providing comprehensive care to help you maintain a healthy and active life. Our orthopedic experts are highly skilled and experienced board certified physicians specializing in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
Expert Tips for Good Joint Health
Exercise can help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Some research suggests that aerobic exercise -- activities that get your heart rate up -- can reduce joint swelling. If your joints bother you, opt for exercises that will not give your joints a pounding. Instead of step aerobics, try low-impact exercises such as swimming or bicycling. A certified personal trainer can show you the best exercises for healthy joints and how to do them correctly. Doing them incorrectly increases the chance of injury.
Strong muscles support your joints. If you do not have enough muscle, your joints take a pounding, especially your spine, hips, and knees, which must support your entire body weight. Weight training exercises help build muscle and keep your muscles and surrounding ligaments strong. That way, your joints do not have to do all the work.
Make sure your exercise routine includes activities that strengthen your core. That includes your chest, back, and abdomen.
Another healthy idea: Don't sit still! Couch potatoes, computer addicts, and all who remain glued to a chair all day long have a high risk for joint pain. Less movement means more stiffness in your joints. So get up and get moving. Change positions frequently. Take frequent breaks at work, and stretch or go for a short walk. If you can't leave the office, try taking phone calls while standing.
Is it time to talk to a doctor about joint replacement surgery?
Does your affected joint hurt one or more days per week?
Does the pain interfere with your sleep?
Is it painful for you when you perform everyday activities?
Are pain medications no longer working?
Is joint pain limiting your participation in activities you love?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may be ready to learn more about joint replacement surgery
. For more information, contact your Kettering Physician Network Orthopedics & Sports Medicine office or visit the Joint Replacement section by clicking on the tab to the left.
Don't let joint pain slow you down. Talk to your doctor and get back to doing the things you love. Feel Better, Live Well.
Kettering Physician Network Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
specialists use the latest techniques and technology to improve joint care to get you feeling better so you can live well and enjoy life again.
Our team of orthopedic surgery experts are well known for their surgical technical excellence and innovative abilities for joint replacement, developing new solutions for patients to improve healing, speed rehabilitation and improve outcomes.