An active lifestyle

LIFE IS “MOVEMENT”, SO WHY STOP MOVING?

Exercising may be either a way of life or an actual need. In any case, however, it is important to know that bad habits are your joints’ worst enemy: an unbalanced diet, bad posture and repetitive movements – or even traumatic ones, as in the case of workmen and sportsmen – can limit freedom of movement.
It is important to consider three crucial elements that can help regain your natural ability to move.

Exercising to increase muscle mobility and strength

Regular exercise plays an important role in preventing and managing osteoarthritis.

There are two types of mobility exercises: joint mobilization and muscle strengthening. In both cases, the success of post-treatment rehabilitation depends on the individual’s constitutional and psychological characteristics.

If done properly during silent phases of the disease, exercising increases the elasticity of the musculoskeletal system, improves blood circulation and controls body weight. Exercises should be performed properly, or they could do more harm than good.

Medical tips

Here are some easy home exercises for taking care of your knee, hip and shoulder joints.

Knee

Knee

Shoulder

The importance of dieting for healthy joints

Your diet can affect your joints. While various molecular mechanisms, influenced by food, could damage the joint tissues, there are also many food substances that can benefit the joints: among them, phytonutrients such as flavonoids, polyphenols and bioflavonoids found in significant amounts in fruits (pomegranate), tea, spices (ginger and turmeric), wine and vegetables. These foods have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic properties, as well as protecting against oxidative stress.

Omega 3 fatty acids also seem to reduce joint inflammation and improve clinical symptoms in patients with rheumatic diseases. These substances can be found in fishfish oil, flaxseed and walnuts.

In general, it is important to follow a healthy and varied diet.