A new year always brings a fresh wave of motivation, with many people setting goals to exercise more, eat better, and feel healthier. But studies show that by February, most resolutions have fallen by the wayside — often because people set overly challenging targets for themselves.
This year, ditch unrealistic goals and adopt more achievable, long-term strategies, like promoting better joint health.
Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, helps patients protect their joints so they can stay active, mobile, and confident throughout every stage of life. Understanding which daily habits cause unnecessary wear-and-tear is one of the easiest ways to support your long-term joint health.
Here are five everyday habits we recommend you break in 2026 to give your joints a better future.
It’s tempting to power through discomfort, especially if you’re busy or hope the pain will just go away. But early joint pain is often your body’s first warning sign that something isn’t right. Minor issues, such as inflammation and early cartilage wear, typically worsen over time if left untreated.
We encourage you to treat joint pain as a helpful messenger rather than an inconvenience and to seek medical advice when you notice stiffness, swelling, or pain that persists for more than a few days.
Early treatment prevents bigger problems later, including arthritis progression or avoidable injuries.
Most people underestimate the stress that poor posture places on their joints. Slouching at your desk or hunching over the phone shifts pressure onto your neck, shoulders, hips, and spine. Over time, these bad habits strain the supporting muscles and accelerate joint wear.
If your job involves long hours of sitting, make small but meaningful changes:
Your joints will do much better if you keep them aligned and supported throughout the day.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your joints, but doing too much (or doing it incorrectly) can cause harm. Pushing through workouts without rest, skipping warmups, or jumping into high-impact activities too quickly increases the risk of cartilage damage, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.
We see many patients who simply need better balance in their training regimen, for example:
If you’re starting a new fitness routine this year, consider a movement assessment to make sure you’re training safely. You’re also more likely to succeed if you go for activities you enjoy.
Your feet are your body’s foundation, and when your footwear doesn’t offer proper support, every joint above them works harder than it should. Flat or worn-out shoes can strain your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, contributing to long-term joint problems.
Supportive footwear doesn’t have to mean wearing bulky or unattractive shoes. It just means wearing ones that provide cushioning, arch support, and a stable base.
If you experience frequent foot or knee pain, custom orthotics (supportive and/or corrective shoe inserts) may also help restore healthy alignment.
Weight plays a direct role in joint health, especially in weight-bearing joints such as your knees, hips, and ankles, as well as your spine. Even a small amount of extra weight can significantly increase pressure on these areas.
We help patients create personalized joint-friendly wellness strategies that focus on steady, sustainable steps such as:
Protecting your joints doesn’t require drastic changes, just simple, intentional habits. By listening to your body, staying active in a balanced way, and supporting your joints, you set yourself up for a healthier, more comfortable year.
If you’re experiencing pain or want guidance on preventing long-term joint damage, Dr. Park can help you start 2026 with confidence and lasting mobility. Call our office in Houston, Texas, or use this online form to contact us.
