Obesity and the impact on our overall health is a major issue in our country with more than one in three adults considered to be obese, and one in six children/adolescents. Your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon advises that because of this, hip and knee replacements will become more common at a much younger age, as well in people who are obese.
Regardless of your weight, inactivity and lack of exercise has an impact on muscle strength and balance, which can lead to higher risk of injury. The ends of your bones are covered with a layer of cartilage to protect your joints and help spread the pressure you put on your joints. Surrounding the joint is a capsule that holds a thick liquid that lubricates the joint, so the more you move, the more lubrication moves through your joints.
Your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon finds that frequent injuries occur when people try to do things they are not in the condition to do. People who have a regular exercise routine tolerate arthritis and joint pain at a much better level without requiring any type of medication because their body produces natural painkillers.
Daily exercise – when coupled with regular stretching – multiplies the effect on joints. Stretching also improves muscle and tendon flexibility to allow for better blood flow, which leads to healthier joints.
Children are also more at risk now than in the past because they are spending time on computers as opposed to getting outside and exercising. The minimum requirement is an hour a day and most children don’t get more than a couple of hours a week.
Exercise should be part of your daily routine, no matter what your age – 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular and light resistive strengthening is recommended. Try to make it a social event and exercise with a friend or family member so you are both accountable to one another and encourage each other.
Weekend warriors are more prone to injury when they play softball with friends or go surfing. So think of exercising not as work, but as a fun way to de-stress and allow your body to live a longer, healthier life.
If you are dealing with joint pain – don’t hesitate – call our office today to schedule a consultation.You don’t have to live in pain!