Dealing with Chronic Pain this Summer

With the start of summer usually means the start of a more active lifestyle, and for some, that means a painful reminder of joint pain. While staying in and being less active may seem like the best way to keep the pain away, it is actually the complete opposite. Being less active in the long can weaken joints and muscles, and could cause even more pain down the line.

Being active through the pain is the best way to keep your joints healthy. The summer season is perfect for joint health because of the many physical activities that are available to do. While it is best to keep the exertion at a minimal rate, there are multiple summer activities that are perfect for generating healthy joints and muscles.  Ten minutes of walking, swimming, or bicycling, a day, can be enough to keep your joints happy and your body looking good.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water to keep joints from creating friction between one another. Water acts as a natural lubricant to keep your body loose and joints pain free. Eating foods—such as shrimp and other forms of crustaceans—with high amounts of glucosamine has also been suggested in preventing painful joints, as it helps build up cartilage in between them. Fruits rich in antioxidants have also proven to aid in the fight against joint pain, and they also make for a perfect hot summer day treat.

Being active creates a healthier lifestyle, don’t let your sore joints get in the way of the most active season of the year.

This blog is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for actual medical treatment. Please contact the APM Augusta office to schedule an appointment if you are in need of medical care.