Joint discomfort affects millions of people who struggle with a variety of ailments and conditions, and occasional joint discomfort can interfere with your entire day. The good news is that you don’t have to live this way. By taking a proactive approach and developing a healthy routine, you can maintain joint health and mobility at every age.
In addition to regular exercise and getting nutritional support, discussing joint health with your doctor is essential to a healthy routine. Asking questions is fundamental to understanding joint function, so you can take preventative measures that support optimal joint health and healthy living.
The 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Health
Joints are essential for many activities we take for granted, like riding a bike, turning our heads, and holding a pen. With such an extensive role, it is no surprise that there are many questions about joint health. I want to take a moment to answer the most frequently asked questions to help you along your joint-health journey.
1. What joints are most commonly affected by everyday wear and tear?
Everyday wear and tear can impact joint mobility, at times interfering with daily activities. While every joint can be affected by common age-related joint discomfort, the most commonly affected joints are weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet, as well as the hands, lower back, and neck.
2. Is there an ideal weight or BMI to support optimal joint health?
With so many body shapes and activity levels, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to an ideal weight. When it comes to joint health and optimal mobility, maintaining a healthy weight for your body type is recommended. Speak with your doctor about healthy weight management and exercises you can add to your routine to support both your weight and joints.
3. What should I be doing for my joint health?
Your joints work hard to get you from A to B, and everyday wear can lead to occasional joint discomfort. Taking a proactive approach to joint health by developing a healthy routine can be the difference between operating at optimal health levels or risking common health issues. This routine should include joint-supporting nutrients, regular exercise, and healthy weight management.
4. At what age does joint health become important?
Every age is the perfect age to start taking care of your joints. Your joints are always working, which means everyday wear and tear affects us all. Most age-related changes to the joints occur after your 50s, but with preventative care, you can maintain flexibility and mobility as you get older. It is never too early and never too late to start a proactive approach that includes the right nutrients and exercise, to keep you moving through life.
5. What nutrients are important for joint health?
It is important to make sure that your joints have the nutrients they need for optimal function. Some of the most important nutrients for joint health are:
♦ Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce common types of oxidative stress to promote joint function.
♦ Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant found in krill oil, helps reduce occasional oxidative stress for optimal joint mobility.
♦ Collagen, the main component of connective tissue, promotes a normal range of motion.
♦ Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, helps reduce common joint-related stiffness, swelling, and discomfort.
♦ Boswellia serrata is an ancient plant with compounds that help reduce typical oxidative stress associated with everyday wear and tear.
6. What factors affect joint health?
There are several factors that influence joint health. Some factors are within your control, such as diet, exercise, and healthy weight management. There are other factors you cannot control, including age, family history of joint health, physical trauma, and certain medications.
7. When should I worry about everyday joint discomfort?
Whether you are an elite athlete or just getting on in years, your joints do a lot of work. Everyday wear is common as a normal part of aging and can affect anyone. It is important to keep an eye out for certain signs that your joints may need some additional support. Speak with your doctor if you notice disrupted sleep, popping or catching/snapping, everyday joint discomfort, occasional swelling and stiffness, and changes in mobility.
8. How is joint health evaluated?
Upon experiencing any occasional joint discomfort or changes in mobility, the first step is to discuss symptoms with your doctor. They will conduct a physical exam of the affected joint with a range of motion testing to evaluate the condition of the joint tissues. Additional scans, blood tests, or nerve testing may also be done as needed. Proper testing and early identification provide the best opportunities for successful intervention.
Taking Supplements for Joints
You can further support your joint health routine by adding supplements. In addition to exercise and a balanced diet, the right supplement can help ensure your joints get the essential nutrients they need.
I highly recommend 1MD Nutrition’s MoveMD® to anyone looking for fast-acting joint support, optimal mobility, and flexibility. This comprehensive formula features clinically-studied ingredients and essential nutrients to aid occasional stiff or sore joints.
AprèsFlex® Boswellia Serrata is clinically studied to reduce common joint discomfort in as few as five days, while Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin helps to reduce typical oxidative stress to tissues for less stiffness and soreness. The addition of several types of collagen helps maintain connective tissue for a normal range of motion, and hyaluronic acid helps maintain healthy viscosity of joint synovial fluid for targeted flexibility support.
Final Thoughts
Knowledge is essential in the promotion of overall health, and it is important to discuss joint health with your doctor. By asking questions, you can get the information you need. Once armed with the facts, you can ensure that your daily routine includes the right nutrition, exercise, and habits so you can wake up without the worry of creaky joints and hit the ground running every day.
Dr. Adam Kreitenberg
Dr. Adam Kreitenberg is dual board-certified in both rheumatology and internal medicine. He completed his internal medicine internship, residency, and rheumatology fellowship at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles County Medical Center.
