Joint pain is something that many people deal with on a daily basis. It can be debilitating to the point of causing a shift in the way you live. Sometimes jobs and recreational activities are completely lost to it, so preventing joint damage is vital to keeping you active as you age.

Here are some suggestions on how to keep moving without pain:

Firstly it is important to remain active. Inactivity can cause your joints, like the hinges on a car door, to seize up. Avoid exercises that deliver unneeded stress to your joints, such as heavy squats will do to the knees. Swimming and other water activities are great for keeping the muscles around the joint strong and flexible.

Remember to stretch. Finding an exercise program is great, but it must be preceded by the proper amount of release. Stretching will slowly release the muscles around the joint, reducing the amount of impact on your body. For a list of stretches, click here.

Eat the right foods. Foods from the ocean offer Omega-3 fats that help lubricate the joints, while various supplements will aid in preventing, and reducing pain from muscle damage. Glucosamine and Chondroitin together help reduce inflammation, and the oils from fish will preserve cartilage.

Drink water. Often dehydration results in aching, stiff joints. Keeping yourself lubricated is an important part of prevention, as the cartilage that surrounds joints is predominantly made up of water.

Stop abusing yourself. Self-induced cartilage damage is one of the most common causes of arthritis and joint pain as you age. Consider what your sport or activity is doing to your body, and be aware of any changes you are experiencing. Look for warning signs.

Joint pain is real, and being cautious is important. Following these few tips is a great way to keep yourself pain free, but be diligent – it doesn’t necessarily take a long time to cause a lifetime of pain.