4 Ways to Help Your Joints

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World Arthritis Day is October 12th, and here at Goldsmith Podiatry, we think it’s a good time to give our patients some reminders about how to take good care of your joints. Arthritis is actually not just one disease. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses over 100 conditions that can affect your joints. With 33 joints in each foot, arthritis can have a serious impact on your podiatric health. Learn to recognize the symptoms of arthritis:

  • Ongoing pain or tenderness in a joint or joints

  • Joint swelling

  • Redness or heat around a joint

  • Limited range of motion

  • Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning

  • Skin rashes or growths

There are several causes of arthritis. Some, such as heredity, disease and infection are not within your control. But there other risk factors that you can control. Below are four tips for strengthening your joints and reducing your risk of arthritis:

1.       Watch your weight. Being overweight puts more strain and pressure on the joints of your feet. Over the years, this can really take a toll and increase the chances for arthritis. Eat a nutritious diet and limit sugars, carbs and fat. Remember, as you age, your body requires few calories as your metabolism slows down.

2.       Keep it Moving—regular exercise, both weight-bearing and strength training, has been shown to help keep joints strong and flexible. In addition to structured exercise programs, look for ways to move more throughout the day.

3.       Up Your Vitamin C—in addition to boosting your immune system, vitamin C has been shown to help maintain the health of connective tissue. Supplements, citrus, kale, broccoli and berries are all good sources.

4.       Be More Careful—many times an injury will later become the site of arthritis. Practice safe driving, only use ladders with a spotter and use appropriate shoes and protective gear for sports to avoid accidents now and prevent arthritis down the road.

If you are experiencing any joint pain or discomfort, contact our Upper West Side office for an appointment. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia will examine your feet and ankles, get a complete medical history and order any necessary tests to get to the source of your pain and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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