Your knees take on an incredible workload each and every day, keeping you moving and independent. But these joints, while very strong, are also subject to harm from injury or overuse.
Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is here to share some tips on how to keep your knees as healthy as possible, no matter your age. Embracing these guidelines can help prevent knee pain or help your body recover if you do eventually sustain knee joint damage.
Of course, if you ever need our services for knee issues, you’re always welcome to visit us in our Los Angeles, California, office.
Your knee joint is the largest joint in your body, allowing your legs to bend and giving you the ability to stand and walk. Knees also help support your body weight and act as a shock absorber when you jump or run.
A joint is the place where two bones meet. Joints include many components, including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. A problem with any of these components can result in knee pain and joint dysfunction.
The actions we take every day have a direct impact on our overall health and quality of life.
While there are certainly some circumstances that are beyond our control and that can cause joint damage, we have a great deal of control over our joint health as we go through the phases of life.
Let’s take a look at four ways you can support your joints and reduce your risk of joint damage.
Your knees help support your body weight, so it makes sense that being overweight will place additional strain on this part of your body.
As you add extra weight, your knees will begin to be impacted. Pain, inflammation, and damage to the joint components are all far more likely in people who are carrying a significant amount of extra weight.
Moving closer to a healthy weight relieves some of this strain, helping your knees and other lower-body joints function better.
Additionally, excess weight can interfere with circulation and healing, so losing excess weight can help your body recover from a knee joint injury.
Staying physically active is one of the most impactful things you can do to enhance your overall health and wellness. Extensive research shows that living a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of a wide range of chronic health conditions.
Engaging in plenty of physical activity helps keep your knee joints healthy and strong. There are even specific exercises like squats and lunges that strengthen the muscles that support your knees.
But too much exercise or activity can cause problems. That’s especially true when it comes to pushing beyond your body’s limits.
While gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts is a great way to stay fit, going too far, too soon can cause an injury that could set your goals back for months or longer.
If you enjoy athletic or fitness pursuits that can lead to knee injuries, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect your knees. There are numerous types of protective gear designed to keep your knees safe during various activities.
Find the right gear for your chosen fitness or athletic activities. More importantly, wear your gear as designed. Even the most technologically advanced knee protection is useless if it stays in your car or in the original packaging.
Let’s begin with high heels. While there’s a lot to be said for the confidence boost of fashionable footwear, high heels can create significant harm to your lower body. The human body has evolved to move and flex according to our natural environment.
High heels change the distribution of weight within your feet and ankles. They shift your weight forward, which can place excess strain on your knees. High heels also increase your risk of injury by making it more challenging to move around.
It’s also important to find a good pair of athletic shoes to wear while engaged in exercise. If you’re unsure how to find the right fit, shop at a store that offers professional guidance.
A great pair of athletic shoes supports your feet and ankles while also providing cushioning and comfort.
No matter how careful you are, there is still a chance that knee pain and joint problems can develop. If you notice changes in the way your knee joints feel or function, Kristopher J. Jones, MD, can help with a thorough diagnostic assessment and customized treatment planning.
Keeping your joints healthy and strong might begin with prevention, but it also includes responding to issues as they arise. Don’t let knee pain worsen over time when there are effective treatment paths to explore.
When you need top-quality joint health support, we’re here to help. You can book a visit by giving us a quick call or using our online booking tool to set up a visit at our Los Angeles, California, offices.
