Prevention is the key to all injuries, chronic and acute. To prevent joint stiffness as you age, you should spend more time working on your flexibility (foam roll or static stretching) as well as maintaining strength in your large muscle groups. Eating healthier and maintaining a healthy weight will also decrease the load and work demand placed on joints. If your are active and play recreational sports, add more dynamic stretching prior to your workouts and follow up the activity with static stretching and/or foam roll exercises. Using heat prior to activity to warm up muscles and ice after activity to cool down muscle and joint inflammation will also help reduce joint stiffness and pain.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.