You may think arthritis is just a part of life that you must endure as you get older. And while there’s no magic bullet that will prevent painful arthritis, you can take steps to reduce your risk and/or delay its onset.
You may think arthritis is just a part of life that you must endure as you get older. And while there’s no magic bullet that will prevent painful arthritis, you can take steps to reduce your risk and/or delay its onset.
Who Is at Risk for Arthritis?
In truth, orthopedic surgeons don’t completely understand who will get arthritis and who won’t. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and similar conditions. Since each has its own set of risk factors, symptoms and causes, it’s difficult to make a comprehensive list of who is at risk. And, scientists believe viruses or environmental toxins can also lead to arthritis but the exact trigger can’t always be identified.
However, some people do seem to be at greater risk for developing certain types of arthritis. For example, women who have a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop some types of arthritis. And unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do to mitigate a genetic risk.
Risk Factors You Can Control
On the other hand, some risk factors can be addressed through lifestyle modifications. Here are some things to do:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts extra strain on your joints and causes cartilage to break down quicker.
- Refrain from smoking.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. The cartilage in your joint is primarily made of water, and if you’re dehydrated, your cartilage can be damaged easier.
- Eat healthy foods that are rich in fiber and whole grains while limiting simple carbohydrates and fat.
- Avoid sugar, alcohol and the purines found in red meat, poultry and oily fish.
- Avoid sports injuries by using the proper equipment, training and safe play.
- Use proper body mechanics. Lift with your legs instead of you back and maintain proper posture.
- Don’t wear high heels all the time. They put your feet at an awkward position and can cause problems later in life.
- Avoid sodas as research shows excessive consumption can increase the risk of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are experiencing pain from arthritis, physical therapy can help you stay mobile for longer. Contact our office for an appointment and our talented Jacksonville physical therapy team will evaluate your needs and determine how your arthritis pain can be alleviated.
Common Hip Replacement Questions
If you’re having hip replacement surgery, you’ve probably got lots of questions for your orthopedic surgeon. You may have so many questions that you forget to ask something at a pre-op appointment.
Fear not. We’ve got you covered with answers to common hip replacement questions. If the answer to your question isn’t listed, contact one of our trusted surgeons to help.
Education: Common Knee Replacement Questions
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, you probably have some questions about the procedure. Read below to see if we have addressed your concerns. If not, please contact one of our trusted orthopedic surgeons.
Education: Benefits of Acupuncture
If you have a sports-related injury, you’re probably aware that working with a physical therapist is a great way to rehab and return to the field. But did you know acupuncture actually complements physical therapy nicely?
The benefits of acupuncture for athletes are many. Acupuncture can improve your physical performance, reduce the negative effects of overtraining and prevent future injuries. It can also:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Promote circulation to injured tissues
- Promote balance among all your body’s systems
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for injuries and conditions such as: (more…)
Teach Posture Habits Young
Good posture is important for people of any age, but it’s particularly important for children who are still growing and developing. Learning good posture at a young age is also key to preventing muscle soreness, headaches and back pain as an adult.
So how can you teach your children about good posture? Here are some tips that can help. (more…)
Education: Exercises You Can Do At Work
Research indicates that prolonged sitting is detrimental to your health. So if you sit at a desk for eight hours every day, you’re at risk for a variety of health concerns. Along with back pain and other assorted ailments, one study found your chance of developing cancer increased by more than 60 percent if you sit for long periods of time.
So can you do anything to alleviate a your sedentary work life? How about some deskercises? These exercises you can do at your desk will keep you moving but subtle enough not to be a distraction to your coworkers. (more…)
Are Flip Flops Good For Your Feet?
They may be fun to wear, but flip flops are simply not good for your feet. In fact, wearing flip flops for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your feet and toes, causing you to need an orthopedic surgeon.
Wearing flip flops when you walk across the locker room floor or from your patio chair to the pool won’t damage your feet. But if they become your everyday footwear, your feet and ankles could pay the price.
Read on to learn about how flip flops can lead to joint problems, the need for physical therapy or even orthopedic surgery. (more…)
Staying Germ-Free at Your Gym
You know working out at the gym is important to your overall health and well being. But with so many people using the equipment and facilities, it can also be a rather unsanitary environment where germs thrive.
So what to do? Here are some ways to stay germ-free at the gym, courtesy of southern orthopedic specialists physicians. (more…)
Tips for Getting Back Into Exercise After Recovering From an Injury
Recovering from an injury takes time and patience. Even after your physical therapist gives you the go-ahead to return to exercise, it can feel daunting. After all, you don’t want to reverse your weeks or months of hard work by risking another injury. Following this guide to getting back into exercise after recovering from an injury will help you stay safe during this critical period.
How to Get Through the Mental Blocks When Rehabbing Your Injury
Rehab is the most challenging part of an orthopedic injury. Long after the acute pain of the injury fades, you may be left with seemingly endless exercises and physical therapy appointments. This can be a significant mental challenge that leaves even the most motivated patients feeling mentally drained. Use the following tips from our physical therapy experts to get yourself through mental blocks when rehabbing your injury.
