Don't let arthritis slow you down (much)
More than 60 million Americans live with arthritis and nearly half of them report that their joint problems (mainly from osteoarthritis) limit the activities they can do at work and during leisure hours when they'd like to socialize and have fun. If that's you, the result is declining physical activity -- which boosts the risk of other chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart, kidney and liver disease -- and increasing feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.
To create long-range improvements in joint health, ease pain and improve your quality of life, you want to adopt an inflammation-fighting diet that's loaded with fatty fish, olive oil, 100% whole grains, nine or more servings of fresh veggies and fruits daily -- and no added sugars, no red or red processed meats, no fried foods and no highly processed foods.
It's also important to get regular joint-friendly exercise, including gentle stretching, walking, swimming and water aerobics. To reduce pain when exercising, make sure your shoes are cushioned and have arch support and apply heat for 20 minutes before you begin to relax muscles and use ice afterward to reduce swelling. Also, change positions from sitting to standing every 30 minutes at work and at home to prevent stiffening. And keep moving during pain flares by doing gentle range-of-motion movements (try leg lifts while lying down).
For more help in preventing joint pain and improving your ability to move more easily check out my free Substack newsletter, "The elderly have more time to exercise -- and that's good. Here's why" at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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