Top 8 Questions Rheumatologists Get Asked About Joint Health
Arthritis affects millions of people, and the associated joint pain can interfere with your entire day. The good news is that you don’t have to live this way. By developing a healthy routine, you can keep your joints healthy and mobile at every age. Part of every healthy routine is understanding joint health, and asking questions is the best way to do this.
The 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Health
Joints are essential for many activities, so I want to take a moment to answer the most frequently asked questions to arm you with the knowledge you need for your joint-health journey.
1. What joints are most affected by arthritis?
Everyday wear and tear can impact joint mobility, at times interfering with daily activities. While every joint can be affected by common age-related joint discomfort, the most commonly affected joints are weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet, as well as the hands, lower back, and neck.
2. How does weight affect joint health?
With so many body shapes and activity levels, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to an ideal weight. To promote the best joint health and optimal mobility, speak with your doctor about the healthiest weight for your body type. You can then create a weight management routine with the best nutrition and exercise plan to support both your weight and joints.
3. What should I be doing for my joint health?
Your joints work hard to get you from A to B, and natural wear and tear can break down cartilage and cause joint pain. Taking a proactive approach to joint health by developing a healthy routine can be the difference between operating at optimal health levels or risking debilitating conditions. This routine should include joint-supporting nutrients, regular exercise, and healthy weight management.
4. At what age does joint health become important?
Every age is the ideal age to start taking care of your joints. Your joints are always working, which means everyone at every age is at risk for joint problems. Most age-related changes to the joints occur after your 50s, but with preventative care, you can maintain flexibility and mobility as you get older. It is never too early and never too late to start taking care of your joints with the right nutrients and exercise, to keep you moving through life.
5. What nutrients are important for joint health?
It is important to make sure that your joints have the nutrients they need. Some of the most important nutrients for joint health include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation to reduce joint swelling and pain.
- Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant found in krill oil, helps reduce oxidative stress for optimal joint mobility.
- Collagen, the main component of connective tissue, promotes a normal range of motion.
- Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, to help reduce joint-related stiffness, swelling, and discomfort.
- Boswellia serrata, an ancient plant with compounds that help reduce inflammation associated with everyday cartilage wear.
6. What factors affect joint health?
There are several factors that influence joint health. Some factors are within your control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. There are other factors you cannot control, including age, family history of joint health, physical trauma, and certain medications. If there are factors at play that could increase your risk of arthritis, you should speak with your doctor about taking proactive steps to care for your joints.
7. When should I worry about joint pain?
Everyday wear is common as a normal part of aging, and regular physical activity, so joint pain can affect anyone. It is important to keep an eye out for certain signs that your joints may need help, such as pain that interferes with daily activities, catching or popping, swelling, and disrupted sleep. Speak with your doctor if you notice stiffness and changes in mobility.
8. How is joint health evaluated?
Upon experiencing any joint pain or changes in mobility, the first step is to discuss symptoms with your doctor. They will conduct a physical exam of the affected joint with a range of motion testing. Additional scans, blood tests, or nerve testing may also be done as needed. Proper testing and early identification provide the best opportunities for successful intervention.
Taking Supplements for Joint Health
You can further support your joint health routine by adding supplements. In addition to exercise and a balanced diet, the right supplement can help ensure your joints get the essential nutrients they need.
I highly recommend 1MD Nutrition’s MoveMD® to anyone looking for fast-acting joint support, optimal mobility, and flexibility. This comprehensive formula features clinically-studied ingredients and essential nutrients to help reduce the joint stiffness and soreness that can prevent you from moving,
AprèsFlex® Boswellia Serrata is clinically studied to reduce joint pain in as few as five days, while Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin helps to reduce inflammation for less stiffness and soreness. The addition of several types of collagen helps repair connective tissue for a normal range of motion, and hyaluronic acid helps maintain joint synovial fluid to keep your joints flexible.
Final Thoughts
Knowledge is essential in the promotion of overall health, and it is important to discuss joint health with your doctor. By asking questions, you can get the information you need. Once armed with the facts, you can ensure that your daily routine includes the right nutrition, exercise, and habits, so you can wake up without the worry of creaky joints.
