Stiffening joints are a common problem among the elderly and have a grave impact on the quality of life. Dr Naveen Talwar, senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital suggest some ways to help you stay active:
* Redness, pain, warmth and tenderness in any or all active joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, feet and ankles are early symptoms of problems ahead.
* Muscles around affected joints may become weaker because of decreased use due to pain.
* To relieve pain, apply heat compress for 20 minutes two to three times a day. Use hot towels, hot tubs, infrared heat lamps, electric heating pads or deep-heating ointments.
* Massage the muscles around painful joints.
* Remain active to prevent wasting of muscles.