This question was submitted by R.F. who asks, “Do you have any advice for joint care, cartilage depletion, or supplements for joint recovery?”
Joint pain is no stranger to most of us. What is typically less apparent, however, is the cause of the pain. We often look for a cure before asking the underlying reason for joint pain. In some cases, it’s easy to determine the cause – trauma, damage to the joint, and certain medical conditions can lead to pain and stiffness. But one area we typically overlook is muscular balance.
Remember, the joints act as hinges between bones that are moved by muscle activation. Muscular imbalances and weaknesses can cause problems with activation and lead to joint pain, particularly in the ankle, knee, hips, or lower back. I explain this in more detail here.
Assuming muscular imbalances have been addressed, supplementation can also be useful in dealing with joint pain. In this post, I provide some expanded information on the necessity, safety, and effectiveness of dietary supplements.
I recommend first going to a medical expert to verify that your pain is indeed isolated to the joint and that there is no underlying problem. You should also conduct a simple squat test to determine whether muscular imbalances exist. This test can be administered by a personal trainer or physical therapist. If you decide to take supplements, be sure to also address the reason behind your pain.
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