Protect Your Joints This Summer: Enjoy Responsibly and Stay Active

Doctor Spotlight

May 31, 2024

 

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities. However, as you enjoy the warm weather and social gatherings, you must be mindful of factors that can impact your joint health. At Tidewater Orthopaedics, we want to ensure you can make the most of your summer while maintaining healthy joints.

One factor that often comes into play during the summer months is alcohol consumption. While it's common to indulge in a few drinks during barbecues and beach outings, excessive alcohol intake can have detrimental effects on your joint health. Studies have shown that heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Moreover, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, crucial for maintaining strong bones and healthy joints. This can increase the risk of joint degradation and pain over time.

To protect your joints this summer, we recommend enjoying alcohol in moderation. Stick to the guidelines of no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Remember, binge drinking can be particularly harmful, so pace yourself and alternate between alcoholic beverages and water to stay hydrated.

In addition to responsible alcohol consumption, staying active is key to promoting joint health. Engage in low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga, which are gentle on the joints while providing a good workout. These activities can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness.

If you experience joint pain or discomfort this summer, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Tidewater Orthopaedics. Our skilled orthopedic surgeons and specialists are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you maintain healthy joints. We offer a range of advanced treatments and therapies to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and get you back to enjoying your favorite summer activities.

Protecting your joints is a year-round commitment but is especially important during the active summer months. By being mindful of your alcohol consumption and staying active with joint-friendly exercises, you can ensure that your joints stay healthy and strong for many summers.

If you have any concerns about your joint health or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists, please don't hesitate to contact Tidewater Orthopaedics. We're here to help you enjoy a pain-free and active summer!

 


If you're experiencing pain or discomfort or are worried about orthopaedic conditions, make an appointment with one of our experienced providers. We have offices in Hampton, Williamsburg, and Suffolk. Click here to make your appointment, or call our office at (757) 827-2480.

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