The toll of excess weight on your orthopedic health  

When you’re overweight or obese, the added force and stress placed on your body’s joints, especially in high-impact areas like your knees, hips, and ankles, can quickly take a toll. In fact, research shows that for every one pound of weight gained, there is an additional four pounds of force exerted on the knee joint.¹ Over time, this excess strain accelerates the breakdown of protective cartilage, drastically increasing your risk of developing painful and debilitating conditions like osteoarthritis. 

The problems don’t end with your joints, either. Carrying extra weight also impacts your bone health, making you more prone to fractures, especially in the spine, wrists, and ankles.² According to studies, obesity is linked to a higher risk of fractures, as the additional weight makes bones more susceptible to cracking or breaking. 

The downward spiral of weight, pain, and reduced mobility 

As the orthopedic problems stemming from excess weight worsen, it can  more difficult  to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Debilitating joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion can make even the most basic daily activities – walking, climbing stairs, or simply getting up from a chair – incredibly challenging. 

This decreased mobility further contributes to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break without addressing the root cause. In fact, studies show that around 30% of adults with obesity also report mobility limitations.³ The more excess weight you carry, the harder it becomes to stay physically active and manage your orthopedic health. 

Taking control of your orthopedic health  through weight management 

The good news is that by taking steps to manage your weight, you can alleviate much of the strain on your bones, joints, and overall mobility. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight has been shown to significantly reduce the load on your joints and lower your risk of orthopedic complications.⁴ 

By working with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional, you can develop a safe and sustainable weight loss plan that combines a balanced diet and regular exercise. Activities that put less stress on your joints, such as swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine, can be especially beneficial during this process. 

Prioritize your orthopedic health today 

If you’re concerned about how your weight is affecting your bones, joints, and mobility, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment with our team of experienced orthopedic specialists, who can help you develop a personalized plan to address your weight-related orthopedic concerns and get you back to living an active, pain-free life. 

¹ Messier, S. P. (2008). Obesity and osteoarthritis: disease genesis and nonpharmacologic weight management. Rheumatic Disease Clinics, 34(3), 713-729. 

² Nielson, C. M., Srikanth, P., & Orwoll, E. S. (2012). Obesity and fracture in men and women. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 27(2), 390-398. 

³ Alley, D. E., & Chang, V. W. (2007). The changing relationship of obesity and disability, 1988-2004. Jama, 298(17), 2020-2027. 

⁴ Christensen, R., Bartels, E. M., Astrup, A., & Bliddal, H. (2007). Effect of weight reduction in obese patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 66(4), 433-439. 

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For example, research indicates that individuals who maintain poor posture while working are 40% more likely to visit a doctor for musculoskeletal pain compared to those who practice good posture. This highlights the importance of ergonomic practices in reducing the risk of work-related injuries and improving overall health. 

To stay comfortable and reduce the risk of injury, follow these five essential tips:

Invest in an Ergonomic Chair and Footrest

A high-quality ergonomic chair is crucial for maintaining orthopedic health. Choose a chair that provides adequate lumbar support and allows for proper alignment of your spine. Ensure that your chair is adjustable so you can set it to the right height, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor and your knees to be at a 90-degree angle.  

Additionally, consider using a footrest to further enhance your comfort and support, particularly if your chair’s height cannot be perfectly adjusted for your leg length. A footrest helps keep your feet supported and your posture aligned, reducing strain on your lower back and legs.

Keyboard and Monitor Adjustments

Proper placement of your keyboard and monitor is key to preventing strain. Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level, which helps maintain a neutral neck position. The monitor should be about an arm’s length away to reduce eye strain. For your keyboard, use a stand to keep it at a comfortable height where your wrists remain in a neutral position while typing.  

Incorporate a wrist rest to provide extra support and cushioning. Additionally, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye fatigue.

Consider Wrist Support

Wrist support is crucial for reducing strain and preventing repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When typing, ensure that your wrists are in a neutral position to avoid unnecessary pressure on your joints. Investing in a keyboard wrist rest pad can provide the cushioning and support needed to keep your wrists aligned properly, reducing the risk of discomfort and long-term injury.

Maintain Good Posture and Lumbar Support

Practicing good posture is essential for preventing orthopedic issues. Sit back in your chair with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, using the chair’s backrest for support. For added comfort and support, consider using a lumbar support pillow to better align your lower back.

Go for a Walk and Stretch at Your Desk

Use your breaks to take a short walk, whether around the office or outside, to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Additionally, incorporate desk stretches like seated spinal twists and hamstring stretches to alleviate muscle tension without leaving your workspace. Regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move can help prevent stiffness and discomfort from prolonged sitting, keeping your muscles flexible and reducing tension throughout the day. 

By integrating these five tips into your daily routine, you can enhance your comfort and protect your orthopedic health while working at your desk. Investing in an ergonomic chair, making proper keyboard and monitor adjustments, incorporating regular movement and stretching, maintaining good posture, and staying hydrated are all crucial for creating a healthier and more comfortable workspace.   

Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as proper hydration supports muscle function and overall well-being. Don’t forget that getting adequate rest each night is also essential for overall well-being and managing orthopedic issues. 

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Why Spine Health Matters

Your spine is the unsung hero of your body since it supports your weight and allows you to bend and twist. It also protects the spinal cord – the super information highway of your nervous system.  it plays such a central role in our daily lives; we often take spine health for granted until something goes wrong.

Did you know that back pain is the leading single cause of disability globally? In the United States, approximately 65 million adults reported a recent episode of back pain. That’s larger than the population of California and Texas combined! Most astonishingly, about 16 million adults experience back pain that is persistent or chronic, limiting every-day activity.

These figures detail why National Spine Health Awareness Month is so crucial. This is the time to educate ourselves about spine health and what measures we can take to look after our backs.

Know Your Spine

Your spine is built for strength and durability, comprising 33 vertebrae, which are divided into five regions. These include:

1. Cervical- Neck- 7 vertebrae
2. Thoracic- Upper Back- 12 vertebrae
3. Lumbar (lower back): 5 vertebrae
4. Sacral: 5 fused vertebrae
5. Coccygeal: 4 fused vertebrae (tailbone)

Between each vertebra are shock-absorbing discs that allow for flexibility and movement. This complex structure works in tandem to keep you up straight and moving throughout your day.

Common Spine Conditions and Their Impact

At Premier Orthopaedics, we see it all when it comes to spine conditions. Some of the most common include:

1. Herniated Discs: This includes the condition when the soft inner material of the disc bulges out through some crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate nearby nerves and may cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
2. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing in the spaces inside your spine can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This commonly occurs in the lower back and the neck.
3. Scoliosis: A sideways curve in the direction of the spine, usually occurring during childhood; very severe cases can be disabling. However, most people only have mild varieties and often manage.
4. Osteoarthritis: With increasing age, cartilage that cushions bones in the spine may break down and result in pain and stiffness.
5. Sciatica: Pain radiating along the path of your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.

These conditions have a huge impact on the quality of life. In fact, a study from the Global Burden of Disease reported that low back pain is the leading cause of disability. But there is good news- many conditions of the spine can be prevented or well managed with good care and early intervention.

Celebrating Your Spine: Tips for Spine Health

This National Spine Health Awareness Month, take some time to appreciate what your spine has been able to do for you. The following are a few tips for maintaining a healthy back:

1. Stay Active: Regular exercise, especially those that are low impact such as walking, swimming, and yoga, can strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
2. Maintain Good Posture: Good posture at work, such as sitting or lifting heavy objects, prevents unnecessary strain on the spine.
3. Perform regular stretching: It reduces the risk of injury while improving your range of motion.
4. Eat healthy: Engage in a diet loaded with calcium and vitamin D because they support your bones, including your spine.
5. Get enough sleep: Your spine needs to rest, too. Make sure you get enough sleep on a supportive mattress.
6. Manage Stress: A high degree of stress tends to create muscle tension, particularly in the neck and back. Practice deep breathing or meditation.
7. Stop Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow to the spine, accelerating disk deterioration.
8. Keep Hydrated: Adequate intake of water maintains the soft tissue elasticity along your spine.

Premier Orthopaedics Commitment to Spine Health

At Premier Orthopaedics, we believe in taking care of our patients for optimal spine health. Our team of experienced orthopedic specialists offers a comprehensive range of treatments, from conservative management to the most up-to-date surgical techniques if indicated.

Patient-centered practice: We believe in working hand in glove with the individual to come up with a treatment plan unique for each. Our focus is not just to treat symptoms but also to get to the root cause of spine issues and equip our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure long-term spine health.

Remember, your spine has been supporting you day in and day out, and now is your chance to return the favor. Here at Premier Orthopaedics, our place is to act as a backbone in helping you achieve and maintain optimal spine health.

Even though National Spine Health Awareness Month only happens in October, spine health should really be all year round. If you take good care of your spine today, you’re investing in a healthier, more active future. Here’s to standing tall and living well!

References

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). (n.d.). Global Burden of Disease (GBD) research. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/gbd

                                                                        (Photo Credit – Adobe)

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Understanding the Importance of Vascular Health

Your vascular system includes arteries, veins, and capillaries which are responsible for carrying, blood throughout your body. Conditions such as high blood pressure, smoking, and not getting enough exercise can harm your vascular health and lead to serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. Knowing the signs of these issues can help you get treatment early. Chronic Venous Disease (CVD), for example, can become very painful if not treated. CVD is a medical condition involving blood flow that affects the veins in your lower extremities (legs, feet, etc.) Vascular care clinics can help keep your veins and arteries in good shape.

Identify Key Factors That Affect Vascular Health

Arteries and veins are like highways for blood in your body. How well they work can be affected by your lifestyle and genetics. During a leg arterial and venous check-up, specialists see how well your blood vessels are doing. Finding problems early can help prevent them from getting worse.

Recognize Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Watching for the signs of vascular disease can be very important. Symptoms like leg pain while walking, numbness in your limbs, wounds that don’t heal, or changes in skin color should be checked by a doctor. There are tests that doctors use that can check your blood flow and pressure. If you have a vascular condition that’s affecting your health, treatments like angioplasty and stenting may help. Angioplasty uses a balloon to open up blocked arteries, and stenting puts a tiny tube in the artery to keep it open. Early treatment can help manage and improve your vascular health.

The Impact of Diet and Exercise on Vascular Disease Prevention

Eating healthy foods and exercising can help prevent vascular disease. The type of foods you eat may affect your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are important for avoiding problems like chronic venous insufficiency (leg veins are not working to get blood back to the heart) and varicose veins (bulging enlarged veins). Regular exercise can help with blood flow, reduce symptoms, and slow down these conditions. By checking your vascular health regularly and making lifestyle changes, you can improve your circulation and protect yourself from vascular diseases.

Outline a Heart-Healthy Diet Plan

Eating heart-healthy foods are important for vein and artery health. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet. These foods support good blood flow and help prevent circulatory problems. Experts often recommend diets low in sodium and saturated fats, but high in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed), which help keep your arteries healthy.

Regular Exercises for Improving Vascular Health

Getting regular exercise can reduce your risk of vascular diseases. Activities like swimming, cycling, and walking improve circulation and help with leg swelling and pain. Regular movement helps you stay aware of your body and can aid in early detection of vein problems.

Ways to Participate in Vascular Disease Awareness Month

September is a great time to help raise awareness about vascular diseases. You can Share educational resources on social media and highlight minimally invasive treatments. Your actions can boost awareness and encourage people to take proactive steps for their vascular health.

Regular Medical Check-Ups Among At-Risk Groups

If you’re at high risk for vascular diseases, regular medical check-ups are important. Certain medical conditions can be managed with treatments if detected early. Also, there are medications available that can help prevent strokes and blood clots. Please consult with your primary care physician for more information on these medications and treatments

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Sciatica is a common complaint among Americans and according to Harvard Medical School, about 40% of people in the U.S have reported having sciatica sometime in their life. Sciatica can be caused by a plethora of spinal conditions, some of the most common are listed below:

Herniated Disc

This is the most common cause of sciatica and occurs when the discs that are found between the vertebrae undergo trauma or damage and the gel-like center of the disc begins to herniate through the outer wall. The herniation causes irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the discs found begin to thin and weaken over time which results in reduced space between the vertebrae. When the space is reduced, the sciatic nerve can become impinged.

Spinal Stenosis

This occurs when the spaces that surround the spinal cords begin to narrow. This abnormal narrowing can pinch the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spine resulting in sciatica.

A spinal condition that affects the lumbar vertebrae – spondylolisthesis – is a disease that causes a lower vertebra to slip forward over the vertebrae directly beneath it. The change in vertebral positioning can cause impingement or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Facet Joint Arthritis

Lumbar osteoarthritis is degenerative arthritis in the low back that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the facet joints of the vertebrae. There are two facet joints on the back of each vertebra that connect the bones of the spine. Wear and tear on facet joints on the lower spine cause the cartilage between the joints to break down and causes inflammation and sciatica.

Ultimately, when you have sciatica the goal is to decrease your discomfort and increase your mobility by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. In most cases, time and treatment are successful in resolving sciatica pain. According to Mayo Clinic, about 90 to 95% of the time, sciatica cases will be resolved with time and non-surgical treatments. However, if your symptoms persist despite all efforts, surgery might be considered. Oftentimes, surgery is considered for those whose leg pain or weakness is persistent after methods of non-surgical options are unsuccessful. Your physician will ultimately tell you the best solution for your specific needs.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy can be an excellent option to treat sciatica because it involves stretching. Stretching can improve your flexibility and strengthens the muscles of your core and lower back. In addition to going to see a Physical Therapist, staying active can also ease your sciatica symptoms.

Corticosteroid Injections

This treatment option delivers medication directly to the sciatic nerve via an injection. Corticosteroid injections are often a temporary solution that can provide weeks or months of pain relief.

This is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure when sciatica is caused by a large disc herniation. In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon removes the small part of disc material that is compressing the sciatic nerve.

If you find yourself experiencing sciatica symptoms, it is important to stay as active as possible and try to introduce some conservative methods of pain relief. Sometimes, conservative options don’t give you immediate relief, especially if your pain is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is when it is best to allow your physician to offer you more aggressive methods of pain relief for your sciatica.

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What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is the swelling and irritation of a tendon. A tendon is the dense fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. You have tendons all over your body, but the tendons that are especially prone to tendonitis are the wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles. There are various names for tendonitis including:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Pitcher’s shoulder
• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Jumper’s knee

Signs of Tendonitis

• A dull aching pain that is especially apparent when moving the affected limb or joint
• Tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Lack of mobility in the affected area

What Causes Tendonitis?

In most cases, tendonitis is caused by repetitive motions, a minor impact on an affected area or from a sudden injury. People typically develop tendonitis from the repetitive motions that their jobs or hobby require.

How is Tendonitis Treated?

Initially, these are the best things to do when you think that you have tendonitis:

• Avoid activities that aggravate the tendon
• Resting the injured area
• Icing the area the day of your injury
• Taking NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and discomfort

If your tendonitis is not getting any better within a week, seeing an orthopedic specialist will allow for a more effective treatment plan. Some things they might suggest are:

• Corticosteroid injections These work best to quickly decrease the inflammation caused by tendonitis which will, in turn, reduce your pain
• Physical Therapy The range-of-motion exercises that a Physical Therapist implements into your treatment plan are beneficial to regain full movement.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Tendonitis can take a long time to heal on its own. PRP injections can be used in areas of chronic tendon irritation to stimulate the healing process and decrease pain.

How to Prevent Tendonitis.

There are a few lifestyle choices that you can implement to reduce your chances of developing tendonitis. Easing up on activities that put a lot of stress on your tendons, mixing up your exercises if they cause you pain and improving your technique when exercising can all be beneficial. Making sure to stretch before any exercise can improve the range of motion in your joints which minimizes any tight tissue trauma.

If you would like an evaluation, contact our team today at (855) 678-4624, or schedule online here.

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The two most common ways that a disc can become herniated is the natural degeneration of the disc or through trauma. Sometimes, a herniated disc goes unnoticed as it can cause few to no symptoms. Other times, patients will not have symptoms in their neck or lower back but rather in their shoulders, hands, legs or feet, which will lead them to seek treatment related to the extremities. Finding yourself with a herniated disc does not mean you have to have a surgical procedure. For those with a herniated disc in the neck or lower back, there are several non-surgical options available.

Medication.

When it comes to relieving mild to moderate pain, several different medications can help. There are also a variety of medications that a physician can prescribe to you that are stronger such as muscle relaxants or steroids. Remember, over-the-counter medications only mask the pain from your herniated discs, so it is important to consult with your physician to fully relieve your discomfort. You should also read the medication label and speak with a pharmacist to determine if it is safe to take anti-inflammatories.

Injections.

If there is little to no improvement from oral medications, a physician might recommend cortisone injections as an alternative solution. A Corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve, but it will not reduce the actual size of the herniated disc. The injected medications may include steroids, local anesthetics or saline. The goal of an injection is to numb the irritated nerves which will ultimately relieve the pain symptoms. Injections go straight to the area of injury to deliver the pain-reducing medication to your spine.

Physical Therapy.

Physical therapy may be able to combat some of the painful symptoms associated with a herniated disc. With this injury, a Physical Therapist will utilize exercises that attempt to relieve pressure on the compressed nerves. Another target exercise is core stabilization which in turn helps with spine stabilization. Other practices such as stretching and manual work also might be used to benefit your flexibility. When working with a physician on your herniated disc, your physical therapist will work in conjunction with them to give you the most successful recovery.

When you have a herniated disc, you will want to control your pain management to the best of your ability. These tips may not work for everyone, but in the meantime can be useful to some.

The post What are Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Read the full ABC6 story here:

https://6abc.com/couple-gets-joint-replacement-surgeries/14546543/

Video Credit: 6abc, Westchester, PA

The post Husband and Wife of 54 Years Undergo Joint Replacement Surgeries On The Same Day appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Those who experience plantar fasciitis complain of a stabbing pain in the bottom of their foot near the heel. Typically, the pain is most noticeable when the first steps are taken when you first wake up.

• Pain on the bottom of the foot, specifically near the heel
• Pain in your first steps of the day, after long rest periods or long-standing periods
• Significant pain after spending a long time on your feet

What is the Cause Behind Plantar Fasciitis?

            At the bottom of the foot runs a long, thin ligament called the plantar fascia. It is meant to absorb the high stress and strains that are placed on the feet. However, if there is too much pressure, tissues can be torn. Irritation and inflammation are the responses to the repeated stretching and tearing of the facia which then causes heel pain.

Who is at Higher Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

• Those with flat feet or high arches
• People who have tight Achilles tendons
• Those who wear high-heeled shoes often
• Anyone who spends multiple hours on their feet in a day
• Typically, 40 to 60-year-olds

Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

            Even though there are no clinically proven ways to cure plantar fasciitis, there are a plethora of ways to curb your discomfort.

• Pain Relievers: to relieve the inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can be taken
• Conservative Treatment: most people with plantar fasciitis typically recover with conservative methods such as icing the area, stretching and modifying any activities that cause discomfort
• Physical Therapy: By working with a Physical Therapist, you can stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. Another technique that a Physical Therapist might use to ease plantar fasciitis pain is athletic taping. This gives support to the bottom of the foot and has been proven very effective.
• Night Splints: a night splint keeps the ankle in a neutral position while you are sleeping which promotes stretching the lower leg muscles and plantar fascia
• Injections: If conservative methods are unsuccessful, a doctor can inject anti-inflammatory agents into the tender area. This doesn’t heal your heel, but it does mask the pain. Platelet-rich plasma can also be injected utilizing your own blood. This injection promotes tissue healing to the afflicted area.

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According to the CDC, bone and joint disorders are the leading cause of disability in America, with knee pain being the second most common chronic type of pain. With millions of Americans experiencing knee pain, there are numerous alternatives to knee surgery that can help to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. We have gathered some of the most common non-surgical treatments below:

Cortisone Injections

A cortisone shot is a type of steroid injection where a version of the cortisone hormone is injected into the affected joint. This specific type of steroid will help to relieve discomfort and inflammation to the knee, which then reduces pain. These injections are seen as one of the most effective ways of treating inflammatory arthritis. On average, a patient would receive no more than three to four injections a year and the results can last up to several months.

Viscosupplementation

Sometimes referred to as a “Rooster Shot”, this injection directly addresses the root cause of knee pain by supplementing the joint. A natural gel lubricant is injected into the knee to make up for lost cartilage. As a result, joint motion and function are increased. Not to be confused with a cortisone shot which is seen to be a more generalized treatment than viscosupplementation. However, both injections aid in reducing inflammation to help those with arthritis.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitative medicine is extremely beneficial for improving flexibility and joint support. When the muscles and soft tissues of the knee joint are stretched and strengthened, the results can go a long way in offsetting your knee pain.

PRP Therapy

This is another type of injection, but one in which platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee joint to help alleviate pain. The platelets in your blood contain growth factors that, when injected into an injured area, are believed to help the tissues repair themselves by assisting in the formation of new cells.

Bracing

Knee braces provide external stability to the knee and can aid in managing your discomfort. The goal of a knee brace is to shift your weight off the most damaged part of your knee. This means you should be able to get around much more comfortably.

If you would like to discuss your options with one of our specialists, you can schedule an appointment online here!

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