Orthopedic Health Tips
We hear a lot of tips and recommendations about how to keep our hearts healthy and minds sharp. But we don’t always pay as much attention as we should to our joints and bones. Orthopedic health is an important topic for everyone to be aware of (especially anyone who uses orthotics or prosthetics). Our bones and joints work hard to move us from place to place each day! Joint and bone problems can not only lead to pain and disability, they also reduce the satisfaction we find in our lives.
Here’s what to do to maintain good orthopedic health:
Stay Active
Daily exercise is essential to your overall physical and mental health. Regular exercise can strengthen your skeletal system and improve the flexibility of your joints. The easiest way to make exercise a habit is to do something you enjoy. Whether it’s swimming, walking, or lifting weights, choose an activity that makes you feel good. For an added bonus, combine this exercise with something else you love like listening to music, talking to friends, spending time with family, or even catching up on your favorite television shows!
Choose Supportive Footwear
Uncomfortable shoes do more than hurt your feet and cause blisters; they can cause long-term health issues. Always choose shoes that provide plenty of arch support and ensure proper alignment. Avoid shoes that cause your feet to cramp or rub painfully. Metro Prosthetics offers top-quality custom orthotics that work with your lifestyle and needs.
Take Steps to Avoid Accidents
A simple fall can have lifelong effects on your orthopedic health. Avoid accidents by installing proper handrails (and using them) in your home. Use bathmats and grips inside your bathrooms. Make sure any floor or throw rugs in your home have pads underneath them to prevent tripping. Always leave the space surrounding your bed free of objects to avoid accidental falls when getting up in the middle of the night or the morning.
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin D and Calcium
Dairy products aren’t the only way to get your daily dose of vitamin D and calcium. Did you know leafy greens such as spinach and kale, salmon, figs, walnuts, and even red kidney beans are all good orthopedic health? Be sure to add these foods to your diet and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, put tofu on your shopping list too.
To learn more about custom orthotic services and how they can help you improve your daily life, reach out to Metro Prosthetics today.