Aching, Breaking, Creaking Joints

Whether it’s doing yardwork or shooting hoops at the park, physical activity will likely cause soreness and aches – particularly in your joints – as you get older. Your cartilage, the smooth tissue cushioning your joints like shock absorbers, deteriorates naturally over time, according to Healthline. The Arthritis Foundation notes that this degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is the most common condition affecting the joints and usually starts after age 45. While it typically affects both men and women, men tend to be affected earlier in life.

In addition to age and gender, researchers have found other factors that could increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

• Being overweight, which particularly impacts your knees
• Traumatic injury to a joint (from sports or an accident)
• Genetics
• Your job, if it involves repeated kneeling, twisting, knee bending or lifting heavy loads

The Arthritis Foundation says people could reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis or delay its start through the following:

• Losing extra weight and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding joint injury and using protective gear
• Staying physically active but pacing yourself
• Adjusting jobs that require you to bend your knees or carry heavy loads

Consult your health care provider if you’re experiencing joint pain and have concerns about osteoarthritis.

If you need joint replacement surgery, BayCare’s Total Joint Replacement Centers provide comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing knee, hip and shoulder replacements. Request a referral to an orthopedic surgeon near you by calling (855) 546-6297 or contact us by submitting our online referral form. You can also search for an orthopedic doctor in your area.