How to Stop Joint Tissue From Breaking Down

When joint tissue is damaged, painful conditions such as arthritis can occur. A joint is a point in the body where two or more bones connect. Joints give your body the ability to move by enabling flexibility of the skeletal system. According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis -- a degenerative joint disease -- is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 27 million Americans. Avoid this painful condition by practicing preventative measures to protect your joints.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep excess weight off to protect your joints.

  Maintain a healthy body weight to prevent wear and tear on your joints. Excess weight puts stress on the joints in your knees, hips, and feet. A Boston University study published in the journal "Obesity" suggests that a 10 percent loss in body weight can dramatically reduce joint pain and improve physical function.

• 2

  Strength training improves joint health.

  Protect your joints by exercising regularly. Your muscles act as shock absorbers for your joints. Weak muscles can result in joint pain and inflammation. Strength training with light weights can be an effective way to build stronger muscles to support your joints. Stretching exercises improve joint mobility and range of motion.

• 3

  Oranges are high in Vitamin C.

  Eat a well-balanced diet to maintain joint health. According to a Boston University study published in "Arthritis & Rheumatism", vitamin C can prevent bone loss and cartilage damage associated with joint pain. The study suggests that vitamin C lowers the risk of osteoarthritis by repairing collagen. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, and red peppers.

• 4

  Yoga can help keep your body in alignment.

  Practice proper posture to maintain healthy joints. Poor posture puts pressure and stress on your joints and can cause damage over time. Keep your muscles and joints in alignment by standing and sitting with your back straight and your shoulders slightly pulled back. Make sure your head is straight and your shoulders and hips are level. Keep your body slightly relaxed and don't lock your knees. Pull your stomach in slightly when walking. Focus on your posture daily to maximize joint support.

• 5

  Ease sore joints by getting enough sleep.

  Get plenty of sleep. Your body repairs itself during sleep, so allow your joints to recover from the wear and tear of your daily activities by making sure you get enough rest. Make sure your pillow and mattress provide enough support to prevent stiffness and ease any tension in your joints.