The Surprising Reason Why Many Millennials Are Being Diagnosed With Arthritis

Here's what to do stop it happening to you. - by Alex Davies

FACT: many millennials  are being diagnosed with  arthritis for a surprising reason – overdoing it  on high-impact workouts (CrossFit and brutal boot camps, we’re looking at you) that tax your joints, says orthopaedic surgeon  Dr David Neuman.

Ignoring the pain could lead to loss  of mobility and surgery  (no thanks!).

Knees or  hips unusually creaky? Try:

Icing them:

Apply ice (covered in a T-shirt) to the joint for 20 mins at a time, up to five times a day, for three days. The cold reduces inflammation.

Performing range-of-motion exercises:

Do this pre- and post-workout. March in place or swing your legs from front to back to increase blood flow and joint mobility. Gently rotate neck and shoulders.

Stopping workouts:

If your pain is sharp (as opposed to dull and achy), stop what you’re doing. If the discomfort persists after two weeks off, see a physio.

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Reform your own practice:

Easing pain with pilates? Good one,  mate – in a study of peeps with chronic  lower back problems, 12 weeks of pilates improved function, confidence to move  and ab-muscle activation. But even better  than taking to a mat? Using a reformer,  which made a difference more quickly.