How To Protect Your Joints As You Age (Without Giving Up Movement)

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up the activities you love—but it does mean your joints need more attention than they used to. Whether you enjoy gardening, walking your dog, or playing a round of golf, staying mobile is possible with the right care strategies.

At Prime Surgical Suites in Granite Falls, NC, we support patients referred for outpatient orthopedic procedures. But before surgery is even on the table, there are things you can do now to protect your joints and stay active longer.

Here’s how joint health changes with age and what to watch for when movement becomes painful.

Why Joint Health Changes With Age

As we age, it’s normal for joints to undergo gradual wear and tear. This can affect how you move, recover, and perform daily tasks. Some of the most common age-related joint changes include:

• Thinning cartilage, which cushions your bones during movement
• Decreased synovial fluid, the lubricant that helps your joints glide smoothly
• Muscle loss and slower recovery, which impact joint support and stability

You may begin to notice:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Aches after repetitive movements like walking stairs or weeding the garden
• Longer recovery times after mild sprains or strain

Learn more from Johns Hopkins Medicine about arthritis and aging joints.

Smart Ways To Keep Joints Moving (Safely)

Movement is one of the best things you can do for your joints—as long as you do it wisely. These joint-friendly strategies can help reduce discomfort while keeping you active:

• Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, biking, or yoga are easier on the knees and hips
• Strength training, especially around the joints, improves muscle support and reduces injury risk
• Stretching and range-of-motion exercises reduce stiffness and help with flexibility
• Maintaining a healthy weight takes pressure off load-bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles
• Anti-inflammatory eating habits, such as adding omega-3s and cutting processed foods, can help reduce joint flare-ups

Find out how outpatient procedures work at Prime Surgical Suites with our patient centered facility.

When Joints Need More Than Maintenance

While lifestyle changes can help, some joint pain goes beyond everyday wear and tear. If you’ve tried rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and gentle movement without results, it may be time to talk to your provider.

Common signs that point to deeper joint issues:

• Pain that interrupts sleep or daily tasks
• Swelling that doesn’t improve
• Clicking, locking, or instability in the joint
• Noticeable loss of range of motion

Your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist may order imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs) and recommend a surgical evaluation.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons outlines symptoms of advanced osteoarthritis and what steps to take next.

How Prime Surgical Supports Orthopedic Surgery Referrals

If your provider determines surgery is necessary, Prime Surgical Suites is here to deliver a smooth, outpatient experience.

We operate by physician referral only, and all procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons in our state-of-the-art facility in Granite Falls, NC. You return home the same day and recover with your care team’s ongoing guidance.

Some of our most common outpatient joint procedures include:

• Arthroscopic knee, shoulder, or wrist repair
• Tendon repair or reconstruction
• Trigger finger release or carpal tunnel surgery

Explore the orthopedic procedures performed at Prime Surgical Suites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to Prime for diagnosis or joint injections?

No. Prime is not a general clinic. We only perform surgical procedures that have been recommended by a referring provider.

How do I know if my joint pain might require surgery?

Talk to your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist. If they determine surgery is appropriate, they’ll send a referral to Prime.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

In most cases, yes. Your surgeon will recommend a physical therapy plan to help you regain motion and strength safely.

Movement Is Possible With the Right Plan

Joint discomfort may be a part of aging, but it doesn’t have to define how you live your life. By staying active, protecting your joints, and working with your physician, you can keep moving with confidence.

If surgery becomes necessary, Prime Surgical Suites offers a private, efficient solution for outpatient joint procedures in Granite Falls, NC—always by referral, and always with patient care at the center.

Talk to your physician about referral options, or learn more about outpatient orthopedic surgery at Prime Surgical Suite.