Dr. David Orman

Q: Could intermittent standing (every 30 minutes) during the day improve joint lubrication and reduce arthritis risk?

A: Modern life often chains us to chairs, whether at desks, in cars, or on couches. This constant sitting robs the body of its natural rhythm of movement, especially in the joints. Cartilage, unlike muscle, does not have its own direct blood supply. Instead, it relies on motion to bring in nutrients and push out waste. Without this gentle pumping system, joints stiffen, dry out, and gradually wear down. The simple act of standing up every 30 minutes can reignite that natural flow, providing a steady wash of nourishment to cartilage.

When you rise and shift your weight, the pressure changes within the joint capsule. Synovial fluid, the slick substance that acts as the body’s natural joint oil, circulates more effectively. This fluid cushions impact, smooths motion, and helps prevent the grinding that accelerates arthritis. Studies suggest that these micro-breaks, no longer than a few moments, add up to significant protection over months and years. It is not about intensity, but about frequency — moving often enough to keep the system alive.

Beyond lubrication, intermittent standing reconnects body and posture. It signals muscles to engage, bones to bear weight, and circulation to quicken. This small, repeated habit becomes a form of preventative medicine, preserving mobility well into later years. Arthritis, often seen as inevitable, may instead be delayed or softened by something as simple as honoring the body’s need to rise. Standing is not merely a break from sitting — it is an invitation for the joints to breathe.