Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It mostly affects elderly people or those who have suffered from a joint injury. When the cartilage – a rubber-like tissue that allows the bones in the joint to glide smoothly over one another – in the joint breaks down, the bones rub against one another causing pain and swelling. The symptoms may also include numbness or weakness, limited mobility, and bone spurs. Living with osteoarthritis is difficult. Pain and tenderness cause the patients to suffer and make normal, everyday activities a challenge. It is a very common condition, especially among people over 60. It is estimated that roughly 40 million Americans will develop osteoarthritis by 2020. The good news is, however, that it can be managed. There are things people with osteoarthritis can do to lessen the severity of symptoms. If you’d like to find out how you can do that, here are 3 tips from our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton:
1. Weight Management
When you’re overweight, it puts a lot of extra pressure on your bones and joints. People with excess weight are much more prone to developing arthritis, especially in the joints that support the weight – knees, hips, or ankles. Therefore, the best thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis – or significantly reduce its symptoms – is manage your weight. How can you ensure you stay in good shape? It’s actually much easier than many people think. It doesn’t necessarily involve fasting and hours spent at the gym. All you need to do is make healthy choices and slightly alter your eating habits. Here are a few simple changes you can make to notice a huge difference in your body:
Habits to get rid off:
Drinking soda
Skipping breakfast
Snacking on sweets
Driving everywhere
Eating out all the time
Going to bed late
Habits to adopt:
Drinking water
Starting each day with a breakfast
Snacking on veggies
Walking more
Cooking wholesome, nutritious meals at home
Sleeping at least 7 hours
Make an effort to take care of your body and you can be sure your joints will thank you for it.
2. Strengthening the joints with proper exercise
According to our orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton, one of the best things you can do to prevent osteoarthritis is taking the time to strengthen the muscles around the joints. That way your joints will get more support and will gain more protection. You want to start with low-intensity exercise, such as nordic-walking (which has proven a great exercise in fighting osteoarthritis symptoms). With time, you can start adding a bit more intensity to your workout. Lifting weight and resistance training is perfect for building muscles around the joints, provided you do it properly and with the use of appropriate gear. That being said, before taking up any form of exercise, make sure to consult your orthopedic doctor on Boca Raton. He will be able to assess what kind of exercise will work best for you. Here are just a few examples of low intensity exercise that can help you get stronger knees.
3. Consulting your orthopedic doctor in Boca Raton for the best treatment
When it comes to osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options available. However, they are not universal and some work better than others in certain cases. In other words, what works for your friend who also suffers from joint pain, may not necessarily work for you. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before making any decisions. They may recommend medication, heat treatment, physical therapy or perhaps even a joint replacement therapy – it all depends on your symptoms and the condition your joints are in. Don’t neglect your pain and make an appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your joints checked, the sooner you can start the treatment and relieve pain.
Orthopedic Doctor in Boca Raton – About Orthopaedic Surgery Associates
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, Inc. is one of the nation’s most advanced groups for the diagnosis and treatment of hand, knee, hip, spinal, foot and other orthopedic disorders and injuries in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton in Palm Beach County. We provide total management of patient care by orthopedic doctors in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Our orthopedic physicians are Board Certified and Fellowship trained in their fields, and are assisted by Registered Physical Therapists, Clinical Exercise Physiologists, Certified Physician Assistants, Occupational Therapists and Certified Hand Therapists. For your convenience, we made it possible to schedule an appointment online – we look forward to seeing you soon!
