Life, as we know, is everything but constant, and ageing is a natural process that happens to us with each passing second. While there is nothing wrong with getting on in the years, the drawbacks that come with it are why people do not like the idea of getting old.
Nearly everything in the body is affected as it ages, from the cardiovascular system to the bones. These changes result in the issues we characteristically associate with getting older, such as decreased flexibility and joint pain. This article will focus on that specific issue and how to prevent it from heavily affecting you.
1. Quit smoking or avoid second-hand smoke
Besides being responsible for many health problems, such as lung disease and cancer, smoking’s detrimental effects can also affect the joints.
Smoking has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system, whose main job is to protect the body, to mistakenly target and attack the joints instead, causing swelling and pain in the near regions.
2. Replace energy drinks and sodas with plenty of water
The human body is abundant in cartilage, which is a flexible connective tissue found throughout the body. The specific type responsible for the smooth movements we make daily is hyaline or joint cartilage, tissues that cushion joint surfaces and cover the ends of the bones, creating a low-friction environment capable of locomotion.
These tissues are primarily made up of cartilage cells whose materials attract water in the body, which is reliant on maintaining its shape and distinct properties. If there is not enough water in your system, your body will resort to pulling water from these tissues and other areas, which will ultimately wreak havoc on your joints.
3. Maintain the acceptable BMI (Body Mass Index)
Joints are not infallible and can only handle a certain amount of force or weight. If you gain more pounds and become overweight, your joints will take on extra stress.
On the other hand, being underweight would mean your muscles lack the bulk needed to keep the joints stable and sturdy. If you want to reach the acceptable body weight based on your age and other factors, you can consult a doctor with the help of telehealth in Singapore.
4. Do warm up and cool down exercises
Being active through exercise is key to staving off joint pain. A few key benefits of getting up in moving are good blood circulation and strengthening of the muscles, which helps take off the pressure from the joints and bone, keeping the former healthy.
However, before engaging in any strenuous physical activities, keep in mind to do warm-up and cool-down exercises first and foremost. Jumping straight into any physical routine can put your joints at risk of being strained or overloaded, ultimately causing unwanted damage.
Conclusion
Weakening and pain in the joints are only a couple of the many natural side effects of ageing, but that does not mean you cannot take action to keep it at bay.
If you ever experience severe joint pain that warrants medical assistance and need to check on your joint status, you can instantly book an online medical consultation through the MyCLNQ app.
As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, MyCLNQ can connect you to the physician who is best suited to handle your case, along with other medical services you may need, such as private ambulance services and pharmaceutical e-commerce.