Ricks Flournoy 
Around one-quarter of American adults experience chronic knee pain. Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating. Some chronic pain may develop as a result of knee surgery or injury, but most persistent or recurrent symptoms of knee pain are caused by arthritis. This is a progressive degenerative disease that destroys the cartilage covering the joint.
The medical team at Florida Medical Pain Management has extensive experience in treating knee osteoarthritis. They offer comprehensive pain management to reduce discomfort and slow OA damage. This post offers five simple ways to keep your joints healthy and pain-free.
1. Exercise Regularly
Talking about exercise when your knees are hurting may sound strange. However, staying active is essential for maintaining good knee health and reducing the painful symptoms of arthritis. Exercise helps keep joints flexible and muscles stronger, which in turn reduces strain on the knees.
Regular exercise also facilitates the distribution of joint fluid, thereby reducing joint friction. Joint friction is a major contributor to cartilage damage and joint pain. Additionally, regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, a topic we will explore in the next section.
2. Shed Extra Pounds
Your knees support you when you walk, climb stairs, and rise from a seated position. They support more than just your body weight; data shows that each step magnifies the weight by four.
Losing weight, even if it’s a modest amount, will immediately reduce the pressure and strain placed on your joints. Weight loss can also lead to a decrease in inflammation, one of the causes of chronic knee pain and damage.
3. Choose the Right Footwear
Your shoes may not seem to have any connection with your knees, but you’d be mistaken. Shoes are not merely for appearances; they also provide protection for your feet and offer support and cushioning for your knees.
Worn-out shoes, high heels, or lack of padding and arch support can negatively affect your knees. If you are physically active or engage in sports, selecting shoes that provide the necessary support for your knees is crucial.
4. Embrace Healthy Eating
Healthy eating can help you maintain a healthy body weight, but its benefits go beyond that. Many people are unaware that certain foods can increase or promote inflammation, while others can help reduce it. Opting for foods that combat inflammation is especially important for chronic knee pain, which is often accompanied by significant inflammation.
Fill your shopping cart and plate with foods rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables. Oily fish like mackerel and salmon, as well as nuts, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can also contribute to joint health. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid processed, pre-packaged foods, and fast food.
5. Take Action at the First Sign
There’s no such thing as “just a little bit” of knee pain. Even mild symptoms may indicate internal joint damage, which could escalate into more severe pain over time.
Our team can initiate treatment earlier if we can evaluate your knee pain as soon as possible. Additionally, our team will work with you to develop new lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of further damage and slow down the progression of underlying conditions like arthritis.
This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management St Petersburg FL to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.
