Chris Judd: How to look after your joints

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When it comes to your joints, an old saying applies: ‘use it or lose it’. Often when people feel pain in their joints, their first reaction is to try and avoid stressing them – but that might not always be the best plan. The idea that inaction is a good solution is flawed – a lot of the time that pain might actually indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed and strengthened.

In saying that, If you've got an arthritic knee the best answer probably isn’t to go out on a run. But, equally, the solution isn’t to do nothing, either. Something like moderate cross-training on a bike could be beneficial in a case like that.

While there’s no cure for conditions like osteoarthritis, that doesn’t mean that there’s isn’t anything that can be done. Often people with painful joints will avoid excessive movement because they’re feeling sore and uncomfortable. But by limiting their movement, they’re going to lose the muscle bulk that’s supporting the joint, which in turn can make the pain worse. Unfortunately, it’s a really nasty cycle that’s easy to fall into.

People would be really surprised by how much maintaining muscle bulk around their joints could actually assist them. Things like Pilates or Ashtanga vinyasa yoga – where you’re not required to hold poses for extended periods – can be helpful. Working through defined movements and building strength will help keep you mobile. I’m also a huge advocate for dry needling, which has been a really effective treatment for me.

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