New Year, New Mobility: 5 Resolutions for Better Joint Health

As the new year approaches, everyone has their resolutions in mind. If you are experiencing joint issues, increased mobility might be on your list. But mobility comes with a few challenges: pain, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation.

Whether you are managing arthritis, recovering from an injury, or simply noticing changes in how your joints feel, evidence-based resolutions can make a meaningful difference. We asked our expert, Dr. Thomas Kane III, MD, to share five resolutions that support better joint health in the year ahead.

1. Commit to regular, joint-friendly movement

Movement is tricky. On one hand, too much can cause pain, but too little carries the risk of weak muscles and stiffness. Joints that are recovering benefit the most from low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling, which stimulate the circulation of synovial fluid, the natural lubricant inside your joints, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the cartilage.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight increases the mechanical load placed on joints, particularly the hips and knees. Fortunately, even a small weight loss can reduce inflammation and take some of the stress off your joints.

3. Address pain early instead of pushing through it

Pain is often a sign that joint structures are under stress or beginning to deteriorate. While lifestyle changes can help, timely treatment is usually your best option for preserving joint function and reducing the likelihood of more invasive interventions later on.

4. Strengthen and support your joints

Muscle strength helps protect the joint by absorbing impact and stabilizing it during movement. Start with small weights and aim for 10 to 12 repetitions to stimulate muscle growth. The stronger the muscles surrounding the joint, the more stable the joint becomes.

5. Know when to consider advanced treatment options

When chronic pain is present alongside stiffness, there is little you can do on your own if activity or rest does not improve your symptoms. Depending on the extent of joint damage, you may benefit from medications, injections, or joint replacement. Whether the treatment is conservative or more invasive, both options are aimed at reducing pain and improving quality of life, even if the latter involves a recovery timeline.

Start the year with a plan for healthier joints

Better joint health begins with informed, proactive care. If joint pain or stiffness is limiting your mobility, a professional evaluation can help determine how to improve your quality of life. 

Contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, and take the first step toward improved mobility in the new year.