The expert named five habits for joint health

Sedentary work, physical inactivity, or being overweight can cause microtrauma and inflammation of the cartilage in the joints. Evgeniya Yekusheva, MD, Professor, member of the Haleon Expert Council, told Izvestia on November 26 about how to protect their health.

The expert believes that moderate physical activity is a good habit for maintaining joint health.

"Joints allow us to perform various motor acts. Daily walking, swimming, yoga or gymnastics help maintain normal blood supply to cartilage tissue and synthesis of joint fluid, and have a beneficial effect on overall health," Yekusheva explained.

The second important habit, she says, is body weight control.

"When overweight, with an index above 25, extra pounds can put additional strain on joints, especially knee and hip joints. <...> Weight loss in patients with joint diseases can reduce pain, improve joint function, and potentially delay or prevent the need for surgery," the doctor noted.

The specialist called posture the third habit to maintain joint health.

"The wrong position of our body during work or rest creates an uneven and often incorrect load on the joint apparatus. Problems with the spine and hip joints, office knee syndrome, and osteoarthritis are especially common among office workers who spend a lot of time sitting at a computer every day," Yekusheva noted.

The fourth habit the doctor called proper nutrition and the choice of foods to maintain joint health.

"With age, on average, after 30-35 years, the natural production of collagen, the main structural component of cartilage, decreases. Various additives can come to the rescue, including dietary supplements [biologically active additives] based on plant and animal components, which should compensate for the deficits that arise," the expert explained.

The fifth useful habit the doctor called routine checkups.

"If you lead a very active or, conversely, sedentary lifestyle, have a hereditary predisposition to joint diseases, do not ignore regular visits to a therapist or rheumatologist. Consulting with a specialist will help identify potential problems at the earliest stage," the specialist advised.

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Earlier, on November 24, Kirill Zhuravlev, an orthopedic traumatologist at SM Clinic, spoke about the risks of excessive exercise for the spine. As the doctor explained, almost 70% of spinal injuries are associated with intense exercise in sports — during training or competitions. Hockey players, weightlifters, gymnasts, snowboarders and extreme athletes are at special risk. The doctor emphasized the importance of proper warm-up, technique control, and moderate increase in exercise.

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