Not Getting Enough Water? Dehydration Can Affect Your Joints

About 60% of the human body is made up of water. It is a necessary for all body functions. Not getting enough water can impact all parts of the body including hard tissues like bones& joints. Here’s how dehydration affects your joints:

• Loss of Joint Lubrication : Water is a major component of the synovial joint fluid which prevents friction between the ends of bones and enabling smooth painless movement.
• Reduced Shock Absorption : Water makes up greater than 70% of the cartilage tissue which acts as a shock absorberduring high impact activities such as jumping and running.
• Increases Muscle Cramping : Dehydration can cause muscle spasms and cramping leading contributing to joint pain.
• Joint Degeneration : Chronic dehydration can result in loss of blood volume sparking of chain reaction resulting in overall functional decline and joint degeneration.

Experiencing strong thirst, mouth dryness, dry skin, headache, dark urine, reduced urine, fatigue, lethargy, and confusion could all be indications that you need to increase your water intake.Rather than waiting until you experience these signs and symptoms, make it a point to try and drink about 2 liters of water a day. Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go and proactively take a few sips from it throughout the day.

Good hydration helps reduce joint inflammation by flushing out toxins, reduces likelihood of gout attacks, carries nutrients to the joints, encourages growth of healthy cartilage tissue, and reduces intensity of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Ensuring you are well hydrated is a simple and effective way to keep your joints healthy.

The physicians at Carrell Clinic are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care in Frisco & Dallas, Texas. Book an appointment with us today.