Joint Health for 20-somethings

How many times have you heard your parents complain of their bad knees, shoulder tendonitis, or arthritic hips? After the leotard-wearing step aerobics craze of the 1980’s…I don’t blame ‘em! All of that pounding and repetitive stepping could have contributed to the ailments the baby-boomers are feeling today. As a result, they’re turning to joint maintenance and prescription arthritis medication for relief. But just because you’re 28 and fit doesn’t mean that you should ignore that little ache in your right knee after a 5K run.

Genetics can play a role in joint problems as we age, but another big contributor is overuse. And we’re not just talking about the professional athlete or power-lifter. Any repetitive movements and activities placing stress on the body can lead to wear and tear of our joints and tendons at any age — meaning your trips to the gym or track may be what’s causing your pain.

If you notice frequent pain in a specific area–no matter if you’re 25 or 55–it’s important to stop the movement that may be causing the pain and rest for at least a week or two. If your pain returns after that period of rest, consult a specialist to find out what the problem is so you can treat it. Another action is to start taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate supplements. These are common supplements for arthritis patients and the elderly, but it’s also good for young athletes. Studies show glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint cartilage repair, prevent the breakdown of cartilage, improve lubrication in the joints, and decrease inflammation. This all leads to better range of motion and injury prevention.

Taking the small steps now to prevent joint injuries and cartilage breakdown will allow you more time to focus on hiking that mountain on your 70th birthday vs. trying to reverse the damage from one-too-many jazzercise classes!