From regular exercise to mindful eating, there are many ways to protect and preserve your joint health. Here are some practical tips to keep your knees and joints strong and pain-free.

Why Seeing Your Rheumatologist Matters
Your rheumatologist is a vital partner in maintaining joint health, especially if you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment can help prevent the progression of arthritis, gout, or other joint conditions. Regular check-ins with a specialist ensure you’re on the right track, and they can recommend targeted therapies to keep you active and comfortable.

Understanding the Importance of Your Knees
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body, essential for everyday movement—walking, climbing stairs, dancing, biking, or even squatting to pick up something. Because of its complexity and load-bearing role, the knee is particularly vulnerable to pain, injury, and arthritis. Most people will experience knee issues at some point, but proactive care and lifestyle choices can make a significant difference.

Top Tips for Healthy Knees and Joints:

  1. Prioritize Movement: Regular exercise helps reduce stiffness, strengthen supporting muscles, manage weight, and improve balance—key factors in joint health. Consider activities like walking, yoga, or Pilates.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Every extra pound puts about 3-4 times more pressure on your knees during daily activities. Even modest weight loss can lessen joint strain and slow arthritis progression.
  3. Prevent Injuries: Protect your knees with balance exercises and strength training. Proper body mechanics can help avoid accidents that might lead to joint damage.
  4. Treat Injuries Promptly: If you experience an injury, follow the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to reduce swelling and facilitate healing.
  5. Listen to Your Body: Pain is a signal. If you experience new or worsening joint discomfort, consult your healthcare provider promptly to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
  6. Quit Smoking: Smoking has been linked to increased joint pain, faster cartilage deterioration, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even certain cancers. Quitting benefits your overall joint and bone health.
  7. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans. Limit processed foods and saturated fats to support overall health and joint function.
  8. Maintain Good Posture: Proper alignment reduces unnecessary strain on your joints and helps prevent wear and tear over time.
  9. Choose Supportive Footwear: Wear shoes that provide adequate support. High heels may look stylish, but they can negatively impact your joints.
  10. Nurture Strong Bones: Healthy bones support healthy joints. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are essential for maintaining bone strength.

Remember, if you have concerns about your joint health or suspect an arthritis or gout condition, seek professional medical advice from our team at Overlake Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center. Our expertise can guide you in diagnosis, treatment, and managing your symptoms, ultimately improving your joint health and overall well-being.

At Overlake Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, our mission is to help people with arthritic joint pain find relief and those with autoimmune diseases regain control of their immune systems. If you’re in the greater Seattle area, feel free to email us at psr@overlakearthritis.com and let us assist you on your path to wellness.