How To Look After Your Joints After Your 40s
OUCH! Your joints are feeling stiff and sore, and you’re losing that spring in your step.
You have pain in your knuckles that you haven’t felt before, and a weird clicking noise from your right knee that comes and goes.
It isn’t fair! You’re not that old!
Unfortunately, time waits for no one, and your body is giving you signs that it would like a little tender loving care. Now! Please.
Try these ideas out to let your body know you are listening.
(Disclaimer: the following ideas are general in nature. Effectiveness will of course depend on your unique circumstances. Should you experience any adverse reactions stop immediately and consult a medical professional).
Walk On The Wild Side
Movement helps with joint motion and to limit pain.
If you work at a desk for hours at a time, set an alarm to make sure you get up and walk every 30 minutes. Invest or request a stand-up/sit down desk that allows more movement through out the day.
Try walking, water aerobics, swimming, Tai Chi, cycling, dance, yoga — any other activity that gets you moving, keeps you flexible and makes you happy.
Hasta La Vista Candy
Follow a healthy diet to reduce inflammation in the body to help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Healthy food choices include (but aren’t limited to):
- Bone broth — rich in collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and sulfur — all useful for healthy joints.
- Fatty fish — salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies. All have omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants like papaya, kiwi fruit, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, apricots and red cabbage.
Inflammatory foods include processed foods high in sugar and salt. As well as “healthy foods” such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers. Foods containing gluten and dairy can also be inflammatory for certain people.
Testing can be conducted with a professional. Or you can eliminate such foods for a few weeks, and reintroduce taking note of any changes to pain, mobility and mood as you go.
Release And Be Free
Release any extra weight that may be causing extra pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips and feet.
Gentle activity and an anti-inflammatory diet as mentioned previously, will certainly help you lose weight, improve your mobility, and decrease any pain.
Pop A Pill
Nutritional supplementation can also be of help with joint health. For general joint support the following supplements could benefit:
- Tumeric/Curcumin — anti-inflammatory properties that may help to relieve joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids — anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin — provide building blocks for healthy joint cartilage formation. As well as relieving mild osteoarthritis symptoms and improve joint mobility.
Lotions And Potions
So many to choose from, but these are my three of my favourites for joint health and to reduce pain and inflammation:
- Magnesium oil helps to ease muscle tension and helps prevent osteoporosis and many other things. Rub or spray into the affected area after a warm bath/shower or just before bed.
- Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rub a couple of drops into the affected area.
- Capsaicin lotion (or Cayenne oil) also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rub a couple of drops into the affected area.
Spa Day. Yay!
Treat yourself to a regular massage. Massages can help relieve joint pain and reduce stress.
A hot bubble bath with 2 cups of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) equals bliss! As mentioned magnesium helps with muscle tension and warm baths are just wonderful. If you don’t have a bath try soaking your feet in a big container (0.5–1 cup of Epsom salt).
Meditation and relaxation techniques may also help reduce the pain associated with joint pain and stiffness. Reducing stress can improve overall health and inflammation in the body.
Ask An Expert
As mentioned, if in doubt, or the joint issues/pain are not improving, seek help from an expert.
Less Ache In Your Wake
Joint pain and stiffness is no fun. Aches and pains that come and go can not be ignored — they hurt too much!
We’re all getting older and most of us will experience wear and tear on our joints, tendons, cartilage and muscles.
Use the tips above to reduce the pain and stiffness in your body.
You’ll feel healthier, happier, and you may even get that spring back in your step!