While it’s essential to protect all your joints over the years, it’s particularly important to make sure that you look after your knees as you get older, as they’re one of the biggest and most complex joints of them all, helping to support your weight and keeping your legs moving as they should. If you have an issue with your knees, you’ll soon know about it!
Because knee joints are so crucial to a vast range of movements, from standing and walking to running, kicking, climbing, squatting, bending and so on, they’re more prone to injury, pain and arthritis than other parts of the body.
As such, it’s vital that you do all you can to reduce the risk of developing knee problems, which can be achieved through health and lifestyle, as well as focusing on posture and biomechanics.
Here are four top tips to help you prioritise knee health now and into the future.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
One of the best ways to avoid putting excess stress on your knee joints is to make sure that you maintain healthy weight, achieved through following a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
2. Avoid high-impact exercises
Protecting your knees from injury is another way to ensure that your joints do well as you age. Limit or avoid high-impact activities such as running or aerobics, particularly if you have a chronic health condition like arthritis.
3. Listen to your body
Your body tells you everything you need to do so make sure you listen to it and the cues it gives you. If you experience new pain or feel as though your symptoms are getting worse, go to see your GP as it may be that you need additional treatment to reduce the risk of further damage.
4. See a physiotherapist
If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s certainly worth going to see a physio as they’ll be able to help you manage your condition. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Clear Physio team today.
