For millions of Americans, joint pain means more than just discomfort. It can prevent sufferers from doing such common, everyday activities as opening a jar and typing on a keyboard; in extreme cases, even walking becomes difficult and painful. When the joints ache, it doesn’t matter if you’re 35 or 65, it’s hard to be at your best.
Fortunately, it’s possible to promote joint comfort and movement by nourishing and protecting your joints. Here are a few tips:
• Daily stretches of each joint–as far as each will go without pain–will help you maintain freedom of motion.
• Keep active to stay active. Strength conditioning and low-impact exercises such as bicycling help maintain and build your mobility.
• Be careful with your hands. Avoid positions that place too much stress on the fingers, such as those that push your other fingers toward your little finger. Finger motions should be in the direction of your thumb whenever possible. And avoid making a tight fist.
• Get a grip. Be aware of how you hold things and the stress you place on your joints when gripping them. Try holding objects in...