What causes stiffness in seniors?

As you age, joint movement becomes stiffer and less flexible because the amount of lubricating fluid inside your joints decreases and the cartilage becomes thinner. Ligaments also tend to shorten and lose some flexibility, making joints feel stiff.
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How do you stop stiffness in old age?

3 ways to prevent joint stiffness
  1. Manage your weight. Excess body weight strains joints—particularly knees. ...
  2. Keep moving. Joints are meant to be used, but if we don't warm up before exercising and stretch often to avoid getting stiff, we'll be creaking like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. ...
  3. Remember to pace yourself.
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Why am I so stiff as I get older?

Normal healthy ageing results in a loss of joint cartilage, particularly of the knee. This cartilage provides a smooth articulating surface between bones at the joint that wears down, becoming thinner and providing less cushioning between the articulating surfaces. This may account for stiffness felt during movement.
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What is the best vitamin for stiff joints?

Vitamin D is important for keeping bones strong and preventing injuries from falls. Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain.
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How do I stop feeling old at 70?

Higher energy, better health, restful sleep, etc. Swimming, yoga, walking, and aerobics are all ways to get moving with low impact on your body. You could feel better and regain a youthful energy if you take part in one or all of these activities.
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Get Rid of Stiffness and Feel a Lot Younger – Muscle Soreness



What can you take to lubricate your joints?

Get them from salmon, trout, olive oil, nuts, avocados and supplements high in the DHA form of omega-3s. Take these joint preservers. Supplements with a combo of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin may help on two fronts: They increase lubrication and decrease inflammation (and thus pain).
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How do you loosen stiff joints?

Hot or cold compress

Both temperature extremes may be beneficial for stiff joints. Apply a cold compress or bag of ice to your stiff joint for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation or swelling and ease the joint into movement.
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Why do legs get stiff after sitting?

New, persistent leg pain certainly warrants a visit to your doctor for evaluation. Leg pain can have many causes, but your description of aching after prolonged standing or sitting suggests a possible buildup of fluid in the leg veins (chronic venous disease, venous insufficiency).
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Does exercise help stiff joints?

Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness

It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue. Of course, when stiff and painful joints are already bogging you down, the thought of walking around the block or swimming a few laps might seem overwhelming.
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What helps stiff joints naturally?

Regular exercise can help those stiff, painful joints. It also keeps bones and muscles strong. Choose exercises such as gentle stretching, resistance training, and low-impact aerobics (swimming, water aerobics).
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How do I get rid of stiff legs?

To help relieve muscle soreness, try:
  1. Gentle stretching.
  2. Muscle massage.
  3. Rest.
  4. Ice to help reduce inflammation.
  5. Heat to help increase blood flow to your muscles. ...
  6. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (brand name: Advil).
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Why am I so stiff after sitting for awhile?

Common causes of muscle stiffness

You may also feel stiffness after periods of inactivity, like when you get out of bed in the morning or get out of a chair after sitting for a long time. Sprains and strains are the most common reasons for muscle stiffness. Sprains and strains from activity may also cause: pain.
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Is walking good for arthritis?

Walking is one of the most important things you can do if you have arthritis. It helps you lose weight or maintain the proper weight. That, in turn, lessens stress on joints and improves arthritis symptoms.
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What Vitamin Am I lacking if my joints hurt?

People who have low levels of vitamin D often have joint pain. Vitamin D supplements may treat joint pain in some people who have a vitamin D deficiency.
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Is turmeric better than glucosamine?

Whereas glucosamine structurally supports connective tissue integrity within the joint, turmeric offers greater protection against joint-diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and enzymes.
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Which fruit is good for arthritis?

Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power.
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What is best for arthritis heat or cold?

For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.
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What are 5 symptoms of arthritis?

Early warning signs of arthritis
  • Morning joint stiffness. Joint stiffness when you first wake up is often a sign of the early stages of arthritis. ...
  • Joint swelling. Swollen joints are a sign that your arthritis is worsening. ...
  • Fever. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a low-grade fever. ...
  • Numbness and tingling. ...
  • Chronic fatigue.
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What causes an arthritis flare up?

The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
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Can hardly walk after sitting?

Foot stiffness after sitting and in the morning is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament on the bottom of your foot, running from the heel to the ball. This condition occurs when that ligament becomes irritated. Plantar fasciitis is common for athletes, specifically runners.
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What medications cause joint stiffness?

Medications that can cause joint and muscle pain
  • Antibiotic: levofloxacin. ...
  • Cholesterol-lowering medications: statins. ...
  • Osteoporosis medication: bisphosphonates. ...
  • Asthma inhalers. ...
  • Breast cancer medications: anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole. ...
  • Acne treatment: isotretinoin. ...
  • Nerve pain / anti-seizure medication: pregabalin.
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Why do I walk so stiff?

Changes in gait and muscle symptoms can be related to strenuous exercise or to conditions that affect the muscles or nerves. While many different conditions can cause these symptoms, examples can include Parkinson disease and problems with the lumbar spine.
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Is walking good for stiff legs?

Walking is a low-impact activity that can help relieve arthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling, but that's not the only reason walking can be a great form of exercise.
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What deficiency causes muscle stiffness?

Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle aches, weakness, and bone pain in people of all ages.
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What is the best exercise for stiff knees?

Walking. Even if you have stiff or sore knees, walking may be a great exercise. Start slow, stand tall, and keep at it. You can ease joint pain, strengthen your leg muscles, improve your posture, and improve your flexibility.
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