We all have heard the phrase “Age gracefully”, although it is true to an extent when it comes to your joints we cannot really say that. As you age your joints age, and if suppose you are 55 years old, then your joints are also 55-years old. So you can imagine the amount of stress and strain it had gone through. If you are above the age of 50, then it is quite common to experience pain in your joints. Let’s look into the various ways to keep your joints healthy as you age.
What is joint pain?
Many of us ignore joint health unless it can lead to knee pain causes in old age. Our joints have cushioned tissue that helps you in the movement of your joints without causing pain. But as you age, this cushioned material tends to wear and tear and slowly the joint is exposed. So when you move joints may rub against each other without the cushioned material leading to pain.
What are the possible causes of age-related joint pain?
There are several causes of joint pain as you age, few common culprits include:
Arthritis:
Arthritis is an age-related condition that most old people may develop. Arthritis causes a wide range of inflammatory disorders that affects joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Osteoarthritis:
Your joints’ cartilage and bone gradually deteriorate, leading to osteoarthritis. Degenerative joint disease is an alternative term for osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
An autoimmune condition is rheumatoid arthritis. Your immune system targets healthy tissue when you have this illness, which causes knee joint problems in old age.
What are the best ways to manage joint pain in old age?
There are several ways manage to joint pain at home,
Heat therapy:
Heat therapy is one of the best ways to relieve joint pain, especially when it’s moist heat it can go deep into your aching joints. Your sore muscles will become more relaxed and less stiff as a result of the warm towel’s ability to promote healing and improve blood circulation around the joints. Also moist heat therapy can be used effectively to relieve joint pain by applying a damp towel to the affected area for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time. Hot baths and heat patches are also different ways to use heat therapy for joint pains.
Ice therapy:
To manage pain and inflammation, ice therapy applies cold packs directly to the affected area. Applying ice to the area around joints can help reduce swelling and numbness. Ensure not to use ice packs more than 6 to 8 times a day, and also stop applying the ice packs if there is no pain and discomfort.
Stay active:
Exercise can help people with joint pain to become more flexible and strong. Additionally it also helps in weight loss, which may reduce joint stress. Less weight on the joints reduces the chance of joint stress. Try low-impact, easy on the joints activities like walking, stretching, and cycling if you have mild joint pain. You should speak with a physician about the right exercises if you have chronic arthritis and are old.
Massages:
Stiff muscles and pain can be released with a good massage. Also it can increase flexibility and circulation, both can effectively reduce the chances of injury. Choosing either a full-body massage or a particular body part like joints, hands, legs can benefit your joints.
Eating a healthy diet:
As eating a healthy diet lowers inflammation in the body, it can also help relieve joint pain. Eat as little processed food, sugar, and salt as possible. This will simply make your joint pain worse. Rather, eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as lean proteins like chicken and fish, which are high in minerals and vitamins that can help reduce joint pain. Consuming enough water on a daily basis can aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
When should you worry about joint pains?
Joint pains in general can range from mild to severe, and at times it can severely affect your daily life activities. In case you experience any other symptoms along with joint pain, it is important to visit the best hospital for rheumatology in Coimbatore, few other signs can include:
- Severe pain
- Joints that may be red or warm to touch
- Pain that keeps you awake at night
- Enlarged or swollen joints
- Numbness
- Clicking or creaking sound when you move
Why is it important to maintain joint health as you age?
Your bones are connected by joints, which gives you mobility. Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage make up these connecting points. Also, they include specific fluids that cushion your bones and help reduce friction. Joint health allows you to move without pain and easily during activities like bending, walking, lifting, and holding. Joint issues can begin at any stage of life. However, normal wear and tear on joints may occur as you age. Musculoskeletal changes along with aging partially to blame. Less muscle mass, cartilage, bone density, and synovial fluid are among these. Changes in these can lead to sprain, arthritis, and many more. Which is why it is important to take good care of your joints.
How does bad joint health impact your daily life?
When joints are not in shape or in case they are damaged, it can clearly cause severe knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation. These symptoms can impact your daily life activities and you may have trouble in:
- Pulling or pushing certain objects
- Holding small items
- Bending or kneeling
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Climbing stairs
- Carrying any objects
What are the best tips for old age knee pain remedies?
Getting old does not directly affect your joint health. Although joint health can significantly maintained by following certain healthy habits, they include:
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Get enough exercise:
Although it may sound like you are putting extra pressure on your joints, regular exercise is the best way to preserve joint health. By strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints, exercise helps relieve pressure on them. It helps improve the nutrient absorption and flow to the cartilage.
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Check on your weight:
When you are overweight, the stress is put on the joints, and especially the knees. Hence it is important to lose weight, also being underweight can lead to low muscle mass which is important to keep your joints healthy.
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Eat a healthy diet:
Make sure to eat a diet that is anti-inflammatory and has the right nutrients and vitamins needed for your joint health.
Important Takeaway:
Managing joint pain in old age requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. By incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and exploring alternative options, older adults can minimize discomfort, preserve mobility, and enhance their overall quality of life. Reach out to the best rheumatologist in Coimbatore to seek expert care and treatment for your joints.
