Doctor reveals how your shoe choice impacts joint health
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting to warm up before exercise
Daily habits such as prolonged sitting, skipping warm-ups, and even wearing the wrong footwear may be quietly harming joint health over time, according to insights shared by pain specialist Dr. Kunal Sood.
In a recent social media post, the anesthesiologist highlighted that joint health is not solely determined by injuries or intense workouts but by how consistently the body manages everyday physical stress.
He explained that joints function best when force is evenly absorbed, distributed, and allowed to recover properly.
One of the most common mistakes, he noted, is neglecting to warm up before exercise.
A proper warm-up increases muscle temperature, improves blood flow, and enhances flexibility, while also making synovial fluid less viscous—helping joints move more smoothly and absorb impact more effectively.
Dr. Sood also cautioned against the “weekend rush,” where individuals engage in sudden intense activity after long periods of inactivity.
This pattern can strain joints, as fatigued muscles fail to adequately support them, shifting excess pressure onto cartilage and ligaments.
Equally concerning is prolonged sitting, which reduces joint mobility and limits circulation of synovial fluid that nourishes cartilage.
Over time, this can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and weakened stabilising muscles.
Footwear choices also play a critical role. Worn-out shoes can alter how impact forces travel through the body, increasing stress on the knees and hips.
While supplements like collagen and omega-3 may help ease inflammation and discomfort, Dr. Sood emphasised that maintaining joint health ultimately depends on consistent movement, proper load management, and supportive daily habits.