Whether you’re staying active at the gym, hiking in the Wasatch Mountains, or simply keeping up with family life here in Murray, Utah, healthy joints make all the difference. From your knees and hips to your shoulders and spine, your joints allow you to move freely and do the things you love. When they’re stiff, sore, or injured, daily life can feel like an uphill climb.
In this post, we’re breaking down why joint health matters, the most common issues we see, and what you can do to keep your joints strong and pain-free.
The Most Common Joint Issues
Knee Pain and Arthritis
The knees are one of the most overworked joints in the body. Between running, sports, and everyday walking around Murray, Sandy, or Salt Lake City, knee joints can wear down over time. Arthritis, inflammation, or even improper movement mechanics often lead to pain that makes climbing stairs or hiking local trails much harder than they should be.
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulders are built for mobility—but that freedom comes with a price. Overhead reaching, repetitive work, or weightlifting without proper control can cause impingement or rotator cuff irritation. We often see this in individuals who are active in sports or jobs that involve repetitive reaching.
Hip Stiffness
The hip joint is key for walking, running, and lifting. When the muscles around the hip aren’t strong or flexible enough, the joint takes on too much stress. This can cause stiffness, pain, or even low back issues.
Ankle and Foot Problems
Ankle mobility and foot strength are essential if you love spending weekends at Big Cottonwood Canyon or walking the Jordan River Parkway. Sprains, plantar fasciitis, and limited mobility can all dampen your activity level.
Why Joint Issues Happen
Wear and Tear Over Time
As we age, joints naturally lose some cushioning. Cartilage thins, and everyday stress can add up—especially without regular care and strengthening.
Poor Movement Mechanics
Improper lifting, sitting too long, or even walking with poor posture can strain joints unnecessarily. Small habits over time often lead to bigger problems.
Lack of Strength and Flexibility
Muscles support your joints. Without enough strength or mobility, joints absorb more impact than they’re designed to handle.
Overuse or Repetition
Repetitive work—like construction, desk jobs, or sports training—often creates joint stress in the same areas repeatedly.
Tips to Protect Your Joints
Stay Active, But Smart
Movement keeps joints lubricated and healthy. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking protect your knees and hips while keeping you active.
Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Focus on building strength in your core, hips, and stabilizing muscles. Strong muscles absorb impact and help align your joints.
Improve Flexibility and Mobility
Stretch regularly and consider adding yoga or mobility work to your weekly routine. Flexible muscles reduce tension on joints.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Every extra pound adds extra stress to weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Even small weight changes can make a big difference for joint comfort.
Listen to Early Warning Signs
If you feel stiffness or discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest, don’t ignore it. Early care can prevent minor issues from turning into chronic pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been dealing with persistent joint pain, sharp discomfort, or swelling that doesn’t seem to improve, it may be time to see a professional. At Lodestar Physical Therapy in Murray, we work with patients across the Salt Lake Valley—including Millcreek, Taylorsville, and Sandy—to create customized treatment plans. Whether building strength, restoring mobility, or rehabbing after an injury, we help you get back to moving pain-free.
Take Care of Your Joints, For Life
Your joints are meant to last a lifetime—but only if you care for them. By staying active, strengthening key muscles, and addressing pain early, you can enjoy all that Murray and the surrounding areas offer without being slowed down by joint issues.
If you’re ready to improve your joint health, recover from pain, or simply move better, our team at Lodestar Physical Therapy is here to help. Reach out today, and let’s keep you moving strong for years to come.