Don’t Let Arthritis Prevent You from Playing Pickleball, Other Sports

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Even if you have arthritis, pickleball can be a lifelong sport when taking proper precautions, like stretching, purchasing proper equipment and visiting your orthopedist regularly.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects 32.5 million Americans. Often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis develops in the hips, knees and hands most frequently. It is estimated that 78 million Americans will have osteoarthritis by 2040.

Pickleball Is America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

With more than 8.9 million players in the United States last year, pickleball is creating a nationwide sensation as the sport of choice for seniors. Community centers offer pickleball leagues, and affinity groups even plan cruises and international travel around pickleball tournaments.

Combining elements of tennis and ping-pong, pickleball uses large paddles and a perforated ball that resembles a wiffle ball. For older tennis players with knee, hip, shoulder or joint issues, this option is a wise choice, as it reduces physical stress on the body compared to traditional tennis.

Pickleball is an activity for all ages, but racket sports require adequate stretching and proper equipment, as well as doctor’s recommendations, to avoid joint injuries.

Pickleball Players Are Prone to Injuries, Sprains and Joint Strain

Due to the frequent changes in direction and pace during pickleball, injuries can occur if you lack fast reactions and decent agility. Many new pickleball players were mostly sedentary before stepping onto the court, so there is a high injury rate for the sport.

Some of the most common injuries are rotator cuff injuries or strains and sprains in the ankle or leg. In some cases, pickleball can cause fractures and concussions. Based on research from a 2019 Journal of Emergency Medicine study, experts estimated there would be more than 66,750 emergency department visits and 366,000 outpatient visits from pickleball in 2023.

Pickleball participants often omit warm-ups and continue to play through an injury. Players can also aggravate existing osteoarthritis by twisting or trauma injury, creating a flare-up (Medical Xpress).

Prepare Your Muscles and Joints before Playing Sports

Warming up and doing prehab exercises are instrumental in staying injury free when playing any sport. With a 10-minute stretch and warm-up, you can protect your joints and avoid irritating osteoarthritis or other arthritic conditions. Before playing racket sports, try the following exercises:

  1. Begin with a slow jog in place or jumping jacks.
  2. Do arm circles and shoulder rotations. Make circles larger before reversing direction.
  3. Extend the arms and rotate shoulders backwards and forwards.
  4. Do leg swings by standing next to a wall for support and swing one leg back and forth. Repeat with the opposite leg.

The important thing to remember is to begin slowly and proceed at your own pace.

“Through physical therapy, my range of motion has improved, and I’ve gradually been able to increase how often I can play,” said Carole Harland, who teaches pickleball introductory classes at Poway Adult School. “Doing dynamic warm-ups and stretching is really important because your body has to be prepared and ready for the quick movements.”

Treat Joint Injuries Immediately to Prevent Further Damage

The interconnected nature of the body means that every part impacts other regions. For example, tight gluteal muscles and hamstrings may put strain on the calves, which can make someone more prone to injure an Achilles tendon.

If you do get an injury when playing pickleball, racket sports or other physical activity, remember to use the RICE method:

Rest: Avoid using or placing weight on the injured part of the body.

Ice: Apply ice or a cold compress to the injured area for 10 to 20 minutes.

Compression: Wrap the injured area with an ACE bandage or athletic tape.

Elevation: Elevate the injured area above the heart to prevent swelling.

See an Orthopedist during Arthritis Awareness Month

Repetitive motions like wrist flicks, lunging and underhand serves can stress your joints and develop overuse injuries. If you are a new pickleball player or are interested in getting involved in racket sports, make an appointment with your orthopedist to discuss your joint health. It is essential to assess your general health, medical history, medications, activity level and past surgeries so you can stay safe in exercising.

Your doctor may recommend certain gear or equipment that will not exacerbate osteoarthritis. If you are struggling with chronic joint pain, you may want to consider a total knee or total hip replacement to relieve pain when playing sports. Waiting too long can complicate your condition, so make an appointment today so you can maintain your active lifestyle and daily activities. You don’t have to “dill” with chronic pain when playing pickleball!

Digestive Disorder? Explore Lesser-Known Conditions and Learn How to Feel Better

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You may think the uncomfortable feeling you get after eating, or the bloat that’s seems to happen randomly is just a part of life – but it could be a lesser-known digestive disorder that’s wreaking havoc on your gut.

While conditions like colon cancer and the importance of colonoscopies often take center stage in gastrointestinal health discussions, other disorders can be causing you distress…so it’s time to find out the causes and management strategies so you can start feeling better!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without any evidence of underlying damage. It’s estimated to affect up to 15 percent of people, yet many remain undiagnosed or undertreated.

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making diagnosis challenging. However, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and stress management techniques can often help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with IBS.

Talk to your doctor about ALL your symptoms (no matter how seemingly minor or sporadic) so we can help you feel better.

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and often involves deep layers of the intestinal wall.

Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon.

Treatment typically involves medication to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent complications, although surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

If you let us know all the symptoms you ever encounter, we can help properly diagnose and treat your digestive conditions.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with Celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system essentially attacks the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

Celiac disease has a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss – and many are symptoms beyond what many may think are related to a gut issue.

Treatment includes a gluten-free diet – but we have to make sure that’s what’s going on so we can be sure to treat everything properly, in case there are other conditions as well.

Managing Digestive Disorders:

As with many health conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps ease symptoms of digestive disorders.

Most importantly, a proper diagnosis from a gastrointestinal doctor is imperative to check all possibilities and provide a treatment plan that not only makes you feel better, but reduces the amount of damage done to your body.

Make an Appointment Today

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., we can test you to determine if you have Celiac Disease, IBS, Crohn’s, or any other digestive disorder. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take care of your gut health!

Combined Effect of Vaping and Smoking May Worsen Vision

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About 12 percent of Americans smoke cigarettes. We’ve known for decades that smoking can cause health problems and damage the eyes. However, we do not know as much about e-cigarettes. New research suggests the combination of smoking and vaping can pose a heightened threat to eye tissues.

What Is an E-Cigarette?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that mimic traditional tobacco cigarettes. A pharmacist in Beijing created the modern e-cigarette in 2003 as an alternative to regular cigarettes.

E-cigarettes use an atomizer and a cartridge that contains nicotine or a non-nicotine solution. The battery heats the liquid, and the atomizer vaporizes it as a mist. This is why smoking e-cigarettes is often called “vaping.”

Vaping Is Increasing in Popularity Among Young Americans

While fewer Americans are smoking traditional cigarettes, vaping is increasing. According to a Gallup poll, eight percent of U.S. adults said they smoked e-cigarettes in the past week. Vaping is especially popular among young adults; people younger than 30 are twice as likely to vape than any other age group.

Vaping also seems to have more sticking power than cigarettes. In 2023, 50 percent of young people who tried e-cigarettes kept using them.

Study Links Smoking and Vaping to Increased Eye Problems

A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that young adults and adolescents who used cigarettes and e-cigarettes had more significant eye problems than those who used only one product. Participants who smoked and vaped were more likely to experience pain, redness, dryness, blurred vision, headaches and sensitivity to light.

“In ophthalmology clinics, I’ve increasingly noticed patients, particularly adolescents and young adults, presenting with eye-related symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and even vision disturbances,” said Anne Xuan-Lan Nguyen, MDCM, an ophthalmology resident at the University of Toronto, Canada, who led the research.

The study examined more than 4,000 people aged 13-24 about their smoking habits in the last month, week or ever. About 900 participants said they smoked cigarettes and/or vaped in the last week. Many of the patients said they did not wear contact lenses or take medication for eye problems.

Among the respondents who vaped, 55.9 percent said they also used cigarettes. Dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes had more frequent and severe eye symptoms compared to users of only one type of product. Up to four percent of respondents who had ever used both products said they experienced severe or very severe eye symptoms.

“All these conditions we know are worse as you get older,” said Laura Enyedi, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist in Durham, North Carolina, who was not associated with the study. “So if young people are having symptoms, it doesn’t bode well for them as they age” (Medscape).

Why Are Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes Harmful to the Eyes?

Because the study was observational, the findings cannot prove that the combined effect of smoking and vaping damages vision. However, they suspect cigarettes and e-cigarettes cause oxidative damage. When combustion occurs in cigarettes and the e-cigarette solvent propylene glycol, the reaction creates free radicals, causing oxidative stress, which damages the eye surface.

Smokers are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers. Smoking can also cause uveitis, an inflammation that develops inside the eye. Uveitis can lead to redness, pain and vision problems.

How You Can Prevent Smoking-Related Vision Problems

If you are a smoker, the best way to preserve your vision is to stop smoking. If you are not a smoker, don’t begin smoking. You can also make healthy lifestyle choices, such as the following:

  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fatty fish and healthy omega-3s
  • Staying hydrated
  • Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Using sunscreen on a daily basis
  • Wearing sunglasses that offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Make a commitment to clear vision and healthy eyes by calling your ophthalmologist to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination. Annual eye exams are essential because good eyesight can improve the quality of day-to-day life. Your eye doctor will check your visual acuity, evaluate your current eye prescription and screen you for eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Regular visits will help preserve your vision for years to come, so call today to make an appointment.

Daily Walks Can Improve Joint Health

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Moving and staying active are important components for lifelong health.

“It is exercise alone that supports the spirits and keeps the mind in vigor,” said Roman statesman Marcus Cicero around 65 BC.

You do not have to have the skill of an ancient Olympian to be fit, and being in shape doesn’t need to be expensive. Walking is an ideal exercise for all ages because it improves your joint health and boosts your cardiovascular fitness.

Why Walking Is Such a Good Exercise

Anyone can begin a daily fitness routine of walking because all you need is a set of supportive athletic shoes. Brisk walking is probably the least expensive cardio activity because it doesn’t require equipment or a gym membership, and you don’t need any special training. The health benefits of walking include the following:

  • Increased heart and lung fitness
  • Better management of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Improved balance and flexibility
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased muscle pain and joint stiffness

“Walking’s a great way to work out because we can integrate it into our daily lives,” said Amanda Paluch, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “And if you can just fit it around your house or within your neighborhood, it’s one of the most convenient options.”

Studies show walking also can reduce sweet cravings, relieve joint pain, improve the immune response, overcome obesity genetics and reduce breast cancer risk (Harvard Health).

Activity Trackers Can Motivate You in Your Walking Habits

Everyone needs some motivation when beginning a new habit. If you are just getting started with a walking routine, you may want to try an activity tracker to monitor your steps, heart rate, blood pressure and calories burned.

It is not necessary to purchase an expensive device. Even devices in the $20 range can offer the basic metrics. The reason why activity trackers are so effective is data access. Seeing progress toward your goal is a powerful motivator to meet your physical activity target. Some people like to set a goal of 10,000 steps per day. Your doctor will likely encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recommendation of 150 minutes of moderately intense activity and strength training two times a week.

Get Moving during National Move More Month

April is a perfect time to begin a new walking goal because it is National Move More Month. If you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, walking may ease your joint pain. Walking makes your muscles stronger and transfers pressure from the joints. It also compresses and releases knee cartilage, which circulates synovial fluid that brings oxygen to the joints. When the joints aren’t nourished, they begin to deteriorate.

One study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine analyzed 1,564 adults older than 49 with lower-body arthritic pain. Patients who walked for 60 minutes each week were more likely to be disability-free four years later.

Here are four tips to get you started during National Move More Month:

  1. Invest in quality footwear. — You can’t meet your exercise goals if your feet hurt. Some athletic shoe stores will analyze your foot and gait to create customized recommendations for the best footwear for you.
  2. Find an exercise pal. — Walking with a friend or neighbor will make you feel safe and secure. A partner will also keep you accountable for meeting goals.
  3. Vary your route. — If you walk the same route every day, you will get bored. Take some time to map out new routes so you can enjoy new scenery.
  4. Track your progress. — Besides using a fitness tracker, keep a log of how far, long and often you walk. You will be encouraged to keep going in your fitness journey.

Talk to Your Orthopedist About a Walking Plan

Your health needs are unique to your age, body type, medical history and fitness level. If you are experiencing joint pain, make an appointment with your orthopedist to come up with an exercise plan. Your doctor may suggest specific strengthening exercises, physical therapy or even a procedure if pain persists.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest total knee or total hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore your mobility. Call today to make an appointment during National Move More Month and get moving toward better joint health.

Study Links Tumor-related Bacteria to Young-onset Colon Cancer

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Researchers found distinct differences in tumor-related bacteria linked to young-onset colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Increasing Among Young People

Adults older than 50 have a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the disease is rapidly increasing among young people. By 2030, young-onset colon cancer is expected to comprise 11 percent of colon cancers and 23 percent of rectal cancers.

Hereditary cancer syndromes only cause about 20 percent of young-onset CRC cases, which means most young people are not predisposed to colon cancer. However, young people are more likely to have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, possibly due to low screening rates.

While it is still unclear why so many young people are developing CRC, some possible reasons may include the following:

  • Antibiotic use
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity

Study Shows Tissue Differences

A new study published in eBioMedicine suggests young-onset colon cancer patients may have specific tumor-related bacteria compared to average-age colon cancer patients. The purpose of the study was to explore factors that could contribute to the rise in young-onset colon cancer.

“This research is the first step in exploring factors that could play a role in the rise of young onset colorectal cancer,” Shimoli V. Barot, MD, medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, told Healio. “Having identified the tumor bacteria, we can now explore utilizing this information to devise strategies to address this challenge.”

The research analyzed colon tissue samples from 136 people diagnosed with colon cancer before age 50, comparing them to samples from 140 older patients with colorectal cancer above age 60. The research team found young colon cancer patients had more bacterial diversity, and the bacteria interacted with the tumor in different ways. Young patients were also more likely to have left-sided, rectal and advanced stage tumors (such as stage IV cancer).

What Impact Could This Have on Colon Cancer Research?

Dr. Barot said she hopes the study results can help produce preventive treatments in the future. Perhaps probiotic or antibiotics could promote healthy gut bacteria and eliminate the tumor-causing bacteria.

“We will need to compare the bacteria to that of individuals who don’t have colorectal cancer,” she said. “Then we will try to figure out the role bacteria play in the pathogenesis of early-onset colorectal cancer. We want to determine what these bacteria are secreting, how they are interacting with the immune system around the tumor area and how the immune system could be primed to fight these bacteria.”

Naseer Sangwan, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, added that “further research is needed into how lifestyle factors such as diet, medications and obesity may impact gut bacteria and contribute to young-onset colon cancers” (Medical Xpress).

Young-onset Colon Cancer Is Increasing

About 19,550 Americans younger than 50 develop colorectal cancer every year, and about 3,750 die from the disease. Colon cancer is the fourth-leading cause of death in this age group, following car accidents, homicide and suicide.

Since 2011, colorectal cancer incidence has been increasing by two percent a year in adults younger than 50, as well as adults between 50 and 54.

Get Your First Colon Cancer Screening at 45 or Before

Adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. But if you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, it is recommended to start screening earlier. People with hereditary cancer syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome — also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) — have a higher risk of colon cancer, and tumors usually develop at an earlier age.

Know the Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer may not cause symptoms right away. It is also possible for a separate condition, like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, to cause similar symptoms.

Common symptoms of colon cancer may include the following:

  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
  • A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one
  • Blood in the stool, which might make it look red, dark brown or black
  • Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, regardless of your age, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Colonoscopy Screening for Colon Cancer

There are two basic types of screenings:

  1. Stool-based tests — These tests are less invasive because they test the stool for signs of cancer.
  2. Colonoscopy — These tests examine the structure of the colon and rectum and look for abnormalities called polyps. They are done with a scope placed into the rectum.

Many people prefer stool-based tests because they are faster and less expensive, but abnormal test results require a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is the most effective because it allows your gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and remove polyps before they become cancerous. A screening colonoscopy typically lasts less than an hour, and it is typically repeated every 10 years if no abnormalities are detected by your doctor and you are not at higher risk for colon cancer.

Call your gastroenterologist today to make an appointment.

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Step Inside Livingston Surgery Center with Google 360 Virtual Tour!

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Livingston, New Jersey – Navigating the world of healthcare just got easier! The Livingston Surgery Center in New Jersey proudly unveils its latest innovation: a cutting-edge Google 360 Virtual Tour. This immersive experience allows visitors to step inside the facility from the comfort of their own homes, unveiling the ease and convenience of accessing outpatient care.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Witness the Livingston Surgery Center through an immersive 360 virtual tour, meticulously captured by a certified Google 360 photographer. From the welcoming reception area to the tranquil recovery spaces, every detail is designed with your well-being in mind. Feel free to explore the recovery areas and throughout the building. Transparency is one of our core values, and we want you to see the quality patients receive every day. This virtual experience exemplifies our commitment to transparency, allowing you to explore our facility’s serene environment, reducing pre-visit anxiety, and fostering trust.

Why Livingston Surgery Center?

  1. Modern Facilities: Experience healthcare in a facility where advanced technology and comfort converge.
  2. Personalized Care: Our skilled professionals are dedicated to your unique health needs, ensuring a patient-centered approach.
  3. Informed Decisions: The virtual tour and detailed photography gallery offer insights into our center, promoting transparency and confidence in your healthcare choices.

At Livingston Surgery Center, we blend unparalleled medical care with an environment that prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. We invite you to discover the difference at our state-of-the-art facility.

Knoxville WATE Anchor Undergoes Colonoscopy by Dr. Tejal Mistry

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In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight the impactful work of our own Dr. Tejal Mistry, a distinguished gastroenterologist at The Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Associates. Dr. Mistry expertly performed a life-saving colonoscopy for WATE anchor Tearsa Smith this past year, highlighting the critical role of early detection and prevention in the battle against colorectal cancer.

This procedure, conducted amid a crucial awareness campaign, led to the discovery and removal of precancerous polyps. Dr. Mistry’s dedication to patient care and his expertise in the field not only potentially saved a life but also serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of regular screenings.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Mistry’s contributions to health and wellness in our community. To dive deeper into this inspiring story and learn more about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, click here.

In Your 20s and 30s? Pay Attention to These 8 Tips NOW to Prevent Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer used to be something “older” people had to think about – but now there is an increasing number of people younger than 50 who are diagnosed with colon cancer. During Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, we’re asking you to arm yourself with knowledge and spread the word – so we can turn these numbers back around.

Because there’s good news: COLON CANCER IS PREVENTABLE.

By being aware of your body, knowing the possibilities and risk factors of colon cancer, and going to the doctor, you can turn the statistics around and prevent colon cancer.

Use these crucial tips for young people to help prevent colon cancer:

1. Understand the Risk Factors

Do you know if you’re at risk for colon cancer? Risk factors include:

  • Family history
  • Certain genetic conditions
  • Unhealthy lifestyle habits
  • Underlying medical conditions (like inflammatory bowel disease)

Ask relatives for your family history of colon cancer and other disorders, and listen if someone mentions in passing anything about digestive concerns, polyps, colonoscopies, or colon cancer.

Learn more about Colon Cancer Facts and Risk Factors, and schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor if you have any of these risk factors to determine proactive measures you can take.

2. Pay Attention to Symptoms

Be vigilant about any unusual symptoms you experience, such as:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • ANY other digestive symptoms

Even beyond that, pay attention to ANY symptoms you have – because you may have adjusted to something that’s been going on for a while and accepted it.

Those symptoms may be a warning sign, and the earlier symptoms are looked into, the easier it is to prevent and stop colon cancer in its tracks.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you eat fuels your body…and can also fuel disease. Your healthy diet should consist of:

  • Plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains instead of white flour
  • Fiber to promote digestive health
  • Lean proteins instead of red meat
  • Limiting processed foods, red meat, and food high in saturated fats

Learn more about Why Ultra-Processed Foods Affect Your Gut and Can Possibly Increase Risk of Colon Cancer, and talk to your doctor about taking steps to alter your diet where needed.

4. Stay Active

Physically moving helps keep everything in your digestive system moving, and helps to keep you healthy overall. Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and help reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Aim to walk every day, and incorporate more physical activity as often as you can. Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you – including moderate and vigorous exercise.

5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption

Among its other detriments, smoking has also been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, Alcohol Increases Your Risk of Colon Cancer, so be sure to eliminate excessive drinking and limit alcohol consumption as much as possible.

Be aware that if you do partake in either of these, you have risk factors for colon cancer.

6. Get a Colonoscopy

While regular colonoscopy screening for colon cancer typically begins at age 50, younger individuals with certain risk factors may need to have a colonoscopy sooner.

Talk to your doctor about your colon cancer risk factors – and any digestive discomforts you may have, no matter how seemingly minor – and discuss when you should begin colon cancer screenings.

7. Prioritize Regular Check-Ups

Even if you feel healthy, it’s crucial to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor – keeping digestive concerns, risk factors, and colon cancer in the regular discussion.

These appointments allow for early detection of any potential health issues, including colon cancer, which makes it easier to treat.

Visit Your Gastrointestinal Doctor

During and beyong Colon Cancer Awareness Month, be sure that If you have ANY symptoms or risk factors, no matter your age, you schedule an appointment with your doctor. At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., our team of knowledgeable doctors will assess your symptoms and develop the best course of treatment and prevention for you. Schedule your appointment today!

Fitness Trackers May Improve Joint Health

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When the temperature drops and the weather is gloomy, it’s hard to find the motivation to exercise. Although it sounds appealing to stay inside, you need to exercise for your physical and mental health. Working out releases endorphins, increases immunity and combats seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression common in winter.

Most people need a little help and motivation to get moving. A good way to monitor your active lifestyle is by using activity trackers and fitness apps.

What Is a Fitness Tracker?

According to a poll, half of Americans use at least one kind of technology to track their health and fitness goals. Many people wear heart rate monitors and smart watches in the gym. Experts report wearable technology is the Top Fitness Trend for 2024 (ACSM).

A fitness monitoring device is a wearable gadget or mobile app that tracks physical movements. These movements include heart rate, calories expended and steps taken.

Physical activity is one of the most important components of health, but daily tasks often push exercise to the bottom of the list. Fitness trackers help because they give reminders and praise, two things to which humans respond positively.

Fitness trackers can remind you to “get moving” if you’ve been inactive for a period of time, or congratulate you, “You met your goal of 10,000 steps!” Accountability is essential when trying to cultivate any lifelong habit, and fitness trackers provide accurate, unbiased records about movement and activity in the day.

“Fitness trackers are a great tool for heart health,” says Johns Hopkins cardiologist Seth Martin, MD, MHS. “Being more active and changing your habits is important, but it can be difficult. Tracking likely helps a lot of people when combined with a clear goal to shoot for.”

What Are Some Benefits of Wearable Fitness Technology?

Many people say their fitness tracker makes all the difference in their day. Some favorite features of wearable fitness technology include the following:

  • Staying motivated
  • Activity awareness
  • Heart health monitoring
  • Sleep analysis
  • Goal setting and the feeling of achievement

What Features Should You Seek in an Activity Tracker?

What you need in a fitness tracker depends upon your goals. If you are just tracking your steps and minutes of activity, you might need nothing more than a Fitbit. If you want to delve deeper into fitness and aerobic exercise, you may want a smartwatch or more sophisticated fitness tracker.

Here are some features of fitness trackers that may interest you.

Resting heart rate

Most people’s resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Exercise helps to lower your resting heart rate, which improves overall cardiac function and helps to reduce mortality rate. Therefore, resting heart rate is an important metric to monitor.

Heart rate during exercise

Heart rate zones, or HR zones, help you know how hard you’re training. There are five heart rate zones based on the intensity of your training with regard to your maximum heart rate (MHR). For moderate-intensity physical activity, your target heart rate (THR) should be 50 to 70 percent of your MHR.

If you’re not sure what your maximum heart rate is, it is based on your age. Your maximum heart rate can be calculated as 220 beats per minute (bpm) minus your age. This is just an estimate, and your doctor should help you determine your MHR.

VO2 Max

Your VO2 max is the volume of oxygen (O2) you can breathe maximally during a 60-second interval. VO2 max is a metric of fitness that correlates with your mortality risk. The higher your VO2 max, the healthier your heart.

Research shows that the most popular activity trackers are quite reliable when recording activity minutes and daily steps. Activity trackers can help adults meet the physical activity guidelines. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderately intense activity per week and strength training two times a week.

Recent Research on Fitness Trackers

A study with 1,000 American adults found that wearable fitness devices greatly impact our health and overall happiness.

  • 80 percent of the study participants said they felt better physically and mentally after using a fitness tracker.
  • 50 percent said they increased their physical activity when they began wearing a health tracker.
  • 25 percent said they use fitness trackers to increase accountability and motivation for meeting activity goals.

How Exercise Affects Arthritis and Joint Pain

Strong muscles can support and protect arthritic joints. Research shows exercise can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise strengthens muscles around the joints and helps maintain bone strength.

“Exercise is good. But exercise intelligently,” says Bashir Zikria, MD, an assistant professor of sports medicine in Baltimore. “Low-impact exercises, like walking, cycling or using an elliptical machine are smart choices. If you run, play basketball or do other high-impact activities, avoid hard surfaces and don’t do it every day” (Arthritis.org).

An Orthopedist Can Help You Exercise Safely

Consistency is the key to making progress. We all need realistic goals, motivation to follow through and a way to track our progress. Fitness trackers and apps can provide all those things, but they can’t replace the expertise of a physician. Before you begin a new workout routine, talk to your doctor and create a customized plan.

If you are living with chronic pain, call your orthopedist to make an appointment. You may need physical therapy, medication or a procedure. Your doctor can also discuss options regarding procedures like total knee or total hip replacement, if necessary.