Arthritis isn't a single disease, but an umbrella term for conditions affecting joints. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, involves wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions your joints. X-rays might reveal signs of arthritis, like thinning cartilage or bone spurs, even in individuals with no pain or stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is VERY common as we age. But just because it is a common condition, doesn’t mean it has to dictate your life. In fact, the best thing you can do for arthritis is CONTINUE TO MOVE!
Here are some tips for keeping your knees healthy:
🏃 Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming, biking, and walking strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
💪 Strength Training: Building strong leg muscles helps support the knee joint.
🍎 Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your knees.
🦵 Stretching: Regularly stretching keeps your joints flexible and reduces stiffness.
👂 Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any changes in your knees, like increased stiffness or swelling.
🧑⚕️ Talk to your doctor if you experience any concerns.
Having knee arthritis without pain is a positive, but it's still important to be proactive about your joint health. By incorporating healthy lifestyle choices, you can keep your knees strong, flexible, and pain-free for years to come.
So don’t be alarmed if you are diagnosed with arthritis! Use that diagnosis to motivate you to keep moving!
コメント