On a warm spring morning, Lieber took a walk in his well-tended garden, as usual. After retirement, he enjoyed this leisurely life. Lieber is a 70-year-old retired teacher who has spent his life teaching and educating people, and today, his world is made up of flowers and books. But recently, a vague discomfort has begun to disturb his peaceful life — joint pain.
This pain is initially subtle and almost negligible. But as time went on, it became more and more apparent, especially when he woke up every morning, his knees and finger joints seemed to stiffen, and it took a while to "move". Lieber began to notice that the pain in his joints was more pronounced when he stood up after sitting for a long time.
At first, he thought that this was just the norm of old age, after all, time is not forgiving. But when the pain started to interfere with his daily life, such as wrist discomfort while gardening, or severe knee pain while walking, he realized that it might not just be a "normal" symptom of old age. His friends have mentioned similar problems, and some have even been severely affected by them.
He wondered if it was a common disease in older people or some kind of health problem that required special attention. In search of answers and solutions, he decided to make an appointment to see a professional doctor. He is looking forward to professional explanations and guidance, hoping to regain that joy of walking freely in the garden.
Lieber sat in the doctor's office, expectant and nervous. The doctor's office is filled with books and medical charts, and a professional and reassuring atmosphere pervades it.
The doctor began to explain in detail the four common causes of joint pain, each of which he explained in an easy-to-understand way.
Wear and tear of joints (osteoarthritis): As we age, joint cartilage wears down, causing less cushioning between joints, which can lead to pain. The doctor explains that it is a natural aging process, but its progression can be slowed down with proper activity and medication.
Obesity: Doctors point out that weight gain puts an extra strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips. He referred to a study that showed that for every 1 kilogram of body weight gained, the knee joint was put under an additional 4 kilograms of pressure. Lieber realized that this could be a significant factor in his pain.
Lack of exercise: Lack of moderate exercise can cause the muscles around the joints to become loose, reducing support and protection for the joints. Doctors emphasize that moderate exercise strengthens muscles and reduces joint pain.
Long-term poor posture: Prolonged sitting or standing, especially if the posture is not correct, can adversely affect the joints. The doctor advised Liberty to pay attention to his daily posture and change his posture regularly.
Listening to the doctor's explanation, Lieber began to reflect on his lifestyle. He realized that since his retirement, he had greatly reduced his activity and gained weight. Over the years, he ignored these bodily signals until the pain became unbearable.
The doctor gave him a series of recommendations, including a proper diet plan, regular moderate exercise, and some physical therapy for joint pain. He also recommends simple exercises that you can do at home, such as walking, swimming, and yoga, which are less impactful to your joints.
The first few weeks were very difficult for Lieber. Changing his diet Xi habits made him feel uncomfortable, and the exercise he started made his body feel pain. However, he did not give up. Whenever he encounters setbacks, he recalls the words of his doctor: "Change takes time, but the health benefits are long-term." ”
Liber began to feel changes in his body. His weight was slowly losing and his joint pain was gradually decreasing. He started enjoying walks and light exercises, and even tried some new activities such as tai chi and swimming.
At the follow-up visit, the doctor praised Lieber's progress and further adjusted his treatment plan. The doctor advised him to attend some fitness classes specifically designed for the elderly and introduced some dietary recommendations for the elderly.
A few months later, Lieber's life changed dramatically. Not only has his joint pain been significantly relieved, but his overall health has also improved. He feels more energetic and optimistic. Leeber began to share his experiences in the community, encouraging other elderly friends to take care of their health as well.