Preventing bone and joint pain 

HAVE YOU EVER woken up in the morning to unexplained pain in your back, neck or joints? Well, you’re not alone. Bone and joint pain are some of the most common reasons people seek medical advice. When your bones and joints are not performing at their best, pain can affect everything from your success at the workplace to daily interactions with those you love. 

Knowing how to prevent and manage pain and take care of your bones and joints is an important part of your overall health and quality of life. Here are some tips for doing just that: 

Get active as often as you can. Physical activity helps strengthen the muscles around your joints and, in turn, helps them work better overall.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess weight can put stress on the joints in your legs and feet. If you believe you may be overweight, talk with your doctor about the possible effects on your bones and joints. 

There are many things we do every day that take a toll on our bones and joints without us even noticing. By becoming more mindful of our habits and changing them, we can continue to live life to its fullest. Here are a few not-so-obvious ways to help your bone and joint health day-to-day: 

Straining your muscles can put stress on your joints. Try to avoid straining your muscles during activities that require awkward positions, such as bending down, leaning and squatting. Take breaks and stretch in between tasks to keep your joints healthy. 

Be mindful of your posture, even during sleep. Posture is the position where you hold your body while you stand, sit or lie down. The most comfortable positions are not always the safest and can sometimes lead to long term bone and joint damage. 

Check in with your doctor regularly about your health. Talking to a trusted medical professional can help you learn about any existing conditions you may have and help prevent them from worsening. You should reach out to your doctor under these circumstances: 

• After an injury
• If you feel weak
• If pain is joined by other symptoms like fever, tingling, numbness, etc.
• Unexplained weight loss

Bone and joint awareness is important for people of all ages. Implementing these strategies early can help set a foundation of healthy habits that will pay off in the long run.

ABIGAIL K. DEBUSK is assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.