The Best Advice for People with Joint Problems

Joint problems can be painful and limiting. Depending on what joint is injured, you might not be able to walk or even lift your arm. If you have joint problems, here are a few things you can do to lessen the severity of pain or even eliminate it.

See a physiotherapist

Joint problems can be extremely serious issues that can get progressively worse over time if not addressed. If you realise that you have a problem in one of your joints, we advise you see a medical professional as soon as possible. Your initial physicians visit will allow you to gain some understanding of what is going on with your joint. The doctor will take x-rays and do a physical examination of the area in question with a goal of determining whether it is a slight injury, a chronic condition, or something in between. If it is more than a slight injury, there is a very good chance that the doctor will recommend additional treatment and this will likely mean you seeing a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapists are medical professionals who understand the movement and manipulation of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and joints in order to help them heal, minimise or eliminate pain and increase your range of movement. They utilise a combination of physiotherapy exercises and tools to help patients regain good health. The sooner you see if physiotherapist, the greater likelihood that you will regain increased or normal operation of your joints. All outcomes however will depend on the cause of the problem and again how soon the problem is addressed.

Drink lots of water

The body is made up of more than 70% water and water is an integral part of the function of every system in the body. Science has shown that when our bodies do not have enough water, a range of problems will likely occur. A key part of joint health is making sure that the joints are lubricated so they operate well. This means making sure that you have enough water in your body to lubricate joints and help them to operate smoothly. For this reason you should consume six to eight glasses of water daily to avoid dehydration and add to the good health of your joints.

Do not eat too much salt

Salt is one of the most popular seasonings in virtually every type of cooking. For decades however we have known that salt has a darker side. It eliminates much of the water in the body and causes dehydration. It is also a principal factor in diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. If you have joint problems, you should limit your salt intake. Doing so will keep more valuable water in your system and help your joints remain better lubricated.

Finally, if you are experiencing joint pain, you need to stay off your feet or not used any of the joints that are causing the problem. Rest is your friend and if you give yourself rest there’s a good chance it will begin to heal. Take your time and you’ll see an improvement.