How to Protect Against Joint Pain

Do you suffer from joint pain? You aren't alone. Millions of Americans regularly experience joint pain. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in fact, says that over 15 million Americans suffer from severe joint pain caused by arthritis. Regardless of whether you have arthritis, though, there are several things you can do to protect against joint pain.

Wear Braces When Lifting

Lifting heavy objects will inevitably increase your risk of joint pain. When lifting, your joints will be exposed to stress that may manifest in the form of pain. You can still lift objects, but consider wearing braces. Braces are designed to support your joints -- as well as other parts of your body -- so that they exposed to less stress. There are braces for the knees, wrists, elbows and other joints, all of which can minimize your risk of joint pain when lifting.

Build Muscle Strength

The stronger your muscles, the better protected you'll be against joint pain. As previously mentioned, the stress of lifting heavy objects can contribute to joint pain. Strong muscles, however, will minimize the amount of stress to which your joints are exposed. Your muscles will do the heavy lifting so that your joints aren't exposed to significant stress.

Eat More Fish

It may sound unusual, but eating more fish can lower your risk of joint pain. Fish contains a plethora of valuable nutrients, some of which are good for your joints. Most types of fish, for example, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that reduce inflammation in the body when consumed. They work by discouraging swelling and neutralizing inflammatory compounds.

Limit Stress

Of course, you should try to limit the amount of stress to which your joints are exposed. If an object is particularly heavy, don't attempt to lift it by yourself. Instead, ask a coworker for assistance. By limiting the amount of stress to which your joints are exposed, you'll be less likely to experience joint pain.

Beware of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries often manifest in the form of joint pain. As the name suggests, repetitive stress injuries are those caused by performing repetitive motions. They are particularly common among office workers, many of whom suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you work in an office or elsewhere, though, you should beware of repetitive stress injuries. If you develop a repetitive stress injury, it may cause joint pain.