BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
Article
By Patrick Pallitto, M.D.
Joint health isn't something most people think about until it becomes a problem. Here's what actually helps protect your hips and knees over the long run.
Weight Management
Every extra pound of body weight adds multiple pounds of extra force through your hips and knees with each step. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce wear on your joints over time.
Staying Active
Regular low-impact activity helps keep the muscles around your joints strong, which in turn helps protect the joint itself. There are no long-term restrictions at all — staying active is encouraged, not something to be cautious about.
Listening to Your Body
Occasional soreness after a long day is normal. Pain that persists, worsens, or starts limiting what you can do is worth having evaluated — catching joint problems earlier generally means more treatment options.
Good to Know
No — this is a common myth. Joint cracking (from gas bubbles in the joint fluid) hasn't been shown to cause arthritis.