Do you enjoy walking around your house in bare feet or just socks? Unfortunately, you may be putting strain on the tendons in your feet and increasing the risk of injury.

More Americans work from home than ever before, but proper footwear is still essential. Selecting appropriate at-home footwear is just as important as choosing supportive shoes for outdoor walking and other activities. In addition, caring for your feet can help prevent chronic foot pain and conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Importance of Supportive, Indoor Footwear

Going barefoot or wearing slippers may sound comfortable, but these footwear practices have increased the number of patients experiencing foot pain and making appointments with orthopedists. Hardwood and tiled floors tend to cause more foot problems because these surfaces have very little give. Carpeting is better, but the feet still experience impact.

It is not necessary to wear athletic shoes around the house, but even a pair of house shoes can make a significant difference by providing support and structure to the feet.

“All kinds of footwear protect your feet. Over the course of weeks or months, the strain of walking barefoot can add significant stress to your arches, tendons, plantar fascia and joints,” explains Sean Peden, MD, a Yale Medicine orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. “This can lead to a range of complications, from minor conditions such as calluses to major issues such as arch collapse” (Medical Xpress).

Dr. Peden encourages wearing a hard-soled slipper without laces or a hard-soled clog. A rigid sole acts as a shock absorber and minimizes stress on tendons and joints in the foot. A fluffy slipper is an unwise choice for home footwear because it does not provide any support.

Indoor Footwear Can Help Prevent Common Foot Conditions

Choosing a hard-soled house shoe with a wide forefront can help prevent common foot conditions like the following:

Hammertoes and bunions — The feet naturally pronate during walking, making the foot arch collapse. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can cause prolonged pronation and cause foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes.

Posterior tibial tendonitis, or shin splints — Prolonged periods of collapsed foot arch can make the posterior tibial tendon stretch excessively, and this can cause pain, swelling and instability in the tendon.

Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia absorbs stress and supports the foot arch. Standing for extended periods or wearing non-supportive shoes can create small tears in the band of tissue and cause inflammation and irritation on the bottom of the foot.

Time to Make an Appointment With an Orthopedist?

If you have had persistent foot pain, it’s time to make an appointment with your orthopedist. There may be a simple solution to your foot pain, or you may need a surgical procedure to get relief. Call today and get permanent relief from your foot pain.

Regular aerobic exercise during midlife could mitigate chronic diseases and ailments as people age, according to scientists in a new study.

Physiologists in Texas and Japan offered strong indications in this study that improvements in blood pressure control and vascular elasticity may contribute to better cerebral blood flow regulation in middle-aged people.

“Our findings have an important clinical implication,” said co-researcher Takashi Tarumi, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Tsukuba, Japan. “Regular aerobic exercise during midlife may prevent these age-related chronic diseases and extend a healthy lifespan.”

Exercise Now, Reduce Chronic Diseases Later in Life

A higher risk of stroke and dementia later in life, along with a greater risk of age-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, are linked to midlife arterial stiffness.

The study researched the potential health benefits of being active and improving age-related deteriorations of cerebral blood flow regulation, short-term blood pressure control and arterial elasticity (a noninvasive measure of cardiovascular risk).

The study was conducted in 20 middle-aged athletes (ages 45 to 64) with at least 10 years of aerobic training, 20 adults younger than 45 and 20 middle-aged sedentary adults.

Researchers defined regular aerobic exercise as running, cycling, swimming or multimodal training with moderate-to-vigorous intensity.

According to the study, middle-aged endurance athletes have better control of blood pressure and higher arterial elasticity than sedentary adults in the same age group. These athletes also displayed comparable levels of these factors compared to young adults, thanks to regular aerobic exercise.

Stop Joint Pain Before it Stops Your Activities

Staying active is essential for your health. If you are experiencing chronic pain, sometimes you need the help of a professional before the pain interrupts your active lifestyle.

You don’t have to live with joint pain or back pain. Our orthopedists specialize in treating chronic pain, arthritis, and many bone and joint conditions. Click here to see a list of specialists located at centers across the country.

Is arthritis keeping you from the activities you enjoy? About 25 percent of American adults have arthritis, but you can still find safe ways to exercise, remain active and maintain your independence.

According to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 58.6 million adults in the United States had arthritis from 2016 to 2018. Almost half suffer from arthritis-related activity limitations due to hip pain, knee pain and joint pain.

Arthritis Incidence Will Continue to Increase

Kristina A. Theis, Ph.D. of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, says arthritis incidence is increasing at a faster rate than projected. She told Healio Rheumatology that “a similar increasing trend was observed for the number of U.S. adults whose activities were limited due to arthritis.”

By 2040, the CDC projects that 26 percent, or 78 million American adults 18 years or older, will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Safe Exercises to Manage Arthritis Pain

There is no cure for arthritis, but exercise is one of the best natural remedies. Inactivity can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in the hips, knees and shoulders.  If you have arthritis, you can work with your orthopaedists to find arthritis-appropriate exercises and activities that alleviate knee pain and hip pain. Some of these activities may include:

Walking

Arthritis is painful, but inactivity can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in the hips, knees and shoulders. Walking is gentle on your joints, and you can select the frequency, intensity and time. And the best part is, it’s free! It is ideal to walk every day, but aim for at least 30 minutes of walking three to five times per week. If you count steps, try to work up to about 6,000 steps per day. In addition, walk outside for an extra boost of Vitamin D, which reduces chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Swimming

Exercising in water decreases the effect of gravity on your body’s movements, so lap swimming and water aerobics are perfect activities if you have osteoarthritis. Research supports that water exercises promoting endurance, strength, and balance can reduce pain in older adults. Some fitness centers offer a variety of classes like hydro spinning and water flexibility.

Yoga

Yoga lengthens muscles, loosens joints and improves range of motion. There are many types of yoga but look for a beginner’s class that moves slowly and includes basic poses. The most relaxing kind of yoga is sometimes called restorative yoga. It has mostly floorwork and utilizes blankets, straps, blocks and other equipment to help reduce tension and gently increase flexibility.

Exercise cannot reverse damage due to arthritis, but it can help prevent further damage and reduce knee and joint pain. Orthopaedists can also suggest workplace accommodations and other interventions that do not include medication to help manage arthritis symptoms.

Find an Orthopaedist Near You to Manage Joint Pain

Is arthritis causing you daily pain and limiting your activities? Call your orthopaedist and make an appointment today. Your doctor can help you manage your knee, hip, shoulder or back pain by creating a customized treatment plan that may include exercises, medication or physical therapy. If it is time to consider a knee or a hip replacement, you can discuss all your options at your appointment.

Is your workspace causing neck or back pain? It may be time to redesign your work area to make it conducive to proper alignment and posture.

Why Does My Neck Hurt Every Day?

If the average human head weighs 12 pounds, it’s no surprise that you may experience daily neck pain during the workday. Slumping in your desk chair or spending hours looking down at documents can lead to chronic discomfort.

When you bend your neck to 45 degrees, your head puts almost 50 pounds of force on your neck. This can cause muscle and joint strain and affect your breathing and even your mood.

Creating an Ergonomic Work Station

Most people try to adjust their body to their workstation instead of making their workstation compatible with their body. For example, did you know the average desk is for people who are 5-foot-10?

An ergonomic workspace promotes good posture by keeping the body in a neutral position. It also increases efficiency and comfort by placing all your office accessories precisely to keep everything within easy reach. In addition, this arrangement prevents overuse injuries and is gentle on the neck, back and spine.

If you are experiencing daily pain from sitting at your desk, try these six suggestions to create an ergonomic office: Evaluate the placement of your computer monitor on your desk. Is your monitor too far away, too high, too low or too small? You can adjust the height of your monitor or your chair, so your eyes are level with the top of the screen.

1. A comfortable chair that supports your back— A good office chair will support the natural curve of your back. Purchase a quality chair with lumbar support that is reclined slightly to 100 to 110 degrees. You may substitute a lumbar support pillow or seat cushion as well.
2. A desk at the proper height for your body—One size does not fit all when it comes to desks. For example, your feet should touch the ground when seated, and your arms should be parallel to the floor or angled toward your lap when typing on a keyboard. A height-adjustable desk is a good choice because you can customize the settings for your comfort.
3. An external, ergonomic keyboard–If your shoulders feel strained, you can consider purchasing an ergonomic keyboard like a split keyboard, a partially split keyboard or a keyboard that does not have a number pad.
4. A mouse that feels comfortable in your hand–Using a touchpad or a standard mouse can strain your wrists and fingers. Instead, find a mouse that works well for you, or consider a trackball or a stylus with a graphics tablet.
5. A monitor set within arm’s reach, at a comfortable height—Your display should be positioned so that your eye level is about two or three inches from the top of the screen. It would help if you did not have to look up or strain your neck to see your monitor.
6. Good lighting—Sufficient lighting will help reduce craning your neck or straining your eyes. Try to use natural light when possible because sunlight also helps boost your mood (Wirecutter).

By making some changes to equipment and placement, you should be able to sit comfortably at your desk for several hours without pain.

Find an Orthopedic Surgeon in Your Area

Making changes to your workspace should help reduce the neck, back, shoulder, knee or hip pain you may be experiencing. However, some people may find they still feel chronic pain daily.  You don’t have to live with neck and back pain. Call your orthopedist and make an appointment before the end of the year.  There are treatments available to help you get relief and enjoy life again.

If you are an elite athlete who performs at a competitive level, you should visit your orthopedist regularly to avoid injury.

Repetitive motions can cause overuse injuries in joints and lead to permanent damage. A new study on college baseball players finds that repetitive overhead throwing can cause shoulder overuse injuries and season-ending rotator cuff damage.

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that control the movement of the shoulder. Throwing overhead can cause the rotator cuff tendons to compress through the joint and eventually cause shoulder pain. This condition can advance to acute tendonitis.

Baseball Players Are Prone to Rotator Cuff Injuries

Baseball is a physically demanding sport and can cause muscle strains, shoulder instability, labral tears, thrower’s elbow and rotator cuff injuries.

Daniel A. Charen, MD, a resident in the department of orthopedic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, examined shoulder injury data from male baseball players using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program. Of the 138 shoulder injuries, 51.4% occurred during practice. Almost half of the injuries included damage to the rotator cuff.

The study also found:

• 100% of players had rotator cuff tendonitis
• 5% had SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears
• 70% of players had biceps tendinitis
• 67% of players with rotator cuff tears had a mechanism of injury of pitching or throwing

Physicians who treat baseball players and other throwing athletes must understand the role that throwing volume, adaptive changes and internal impingement play in overuse injuries.

Christopher S. Ahmad is the Head Team Physician for the New York Yankees and the Rockland Boulders and a member of the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association. In an interview with Orthopedics Today, he said doctors and trainers must pay attention to core muscles and strength in the throwing athlete. Regular care and follow-up are the keys for safe play (Healio).

Schedule Your Orthopedic Surgery Before Deductible Resets

Are you experiencing chronic shoulder pain? Shoulder injuries are not limited to athletes. Make an appointment with your orthopedist to discuss your shoulder or joint pain. You may need treatment or even a surgical procedure to find relief.

The end of the year is approaching, so it would be best to schedule a procedure before the year-end. Now is a good time to contact your insurance company to ask if you have met your deductible. If you have already met your deductible, your procedure may be more affordable or even fully covered.

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures due to COVID-19. It’s important to remember that while your joint surgery may be considered elective, it may also be essential for your mobility and health. Now is the time to schedule your procedure because health insurance deductibles reset in January.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

The Delta variant has caused millions of medical procedures to be canceled or delayed. Now, with the acute resurgence of COVID-19, hospitals are reallocating resources and delaying elective procedures.

Some common elective orthopedic procedures are:

• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Shoulder replacement
• Arthroscopy
• Joint fusion
• Joint surgery
• Soft tissue repair

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedure. Instead, it simply distinguishes between surgeries that are for emergencies and those that can be scheduled in advance.

Most joint surgeries are considered elective procedures because you can schedule them for a future date. However, although elective, each of the procedures above is essential for health.

Importance of Prompt Orthopedic Procedures

Joint pain can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing the things you love. A canceled or delayed orthopedic procedure means you may experience:

• Stiff and swollen joints
• Sleeplessness at night
• Inability to use stairs
• Limp or change in your gait
• Increased risk of falls or fractures

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Orthopedic Procedures

Although hospitals have pushed back procedures like total joint replacement and orthopedic surgeries, there is another option. Scheduling your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

• Outpatient surgery centers dedicate themselves to specific procedures rather than emergency or trauma surgeries, so your appointment may be less likely to be affected.
• Because ASCs are small, they are easily navigable and usually have convenient parking.
• Your procedure may be more cost-effective at an ASC.
• Some patients say that ASCs feel more home-like and comfortable than hospitals.

Schedule Your Orthopedic Surgery Before Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Joint surgery may be less costly than you may think.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee pain in adults over 50. By age 70, about 27 percent of adults have knee osteoarthritis. Some common symptoms include swelling, loss of mobility, stiffness and chronic pain.

Arthritis pain management has been the topic of much debate. Some physicians prescribe prescription opioids to manage the pain of arthritis, but new research suggests opioids may do more harm than good.

According to a new study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy, opioids may not be effective in reducing pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis. Instead, opioids can cause unwanted side effects such as dizziness, nausea, constipation, sleepiness and addiction.

Jannis Bodden, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco, conducted a four-year study on opioid use and changes in knee structure. Dr. Bodden and her colleagues found that, compared to non-opioid users, opioid users showed:

• Faster progression of arthritis
• More structural degeneration of the knee
• Worse quality of life
• Higher mortality rate

“Despite the use of opioids, baseline symptom and pain control were worse in opioid users compared to controls,” noted Dr. Bodden and colleagues. “Loss of [quality of life] was more rapid in opioid users, when adjusted for baseline pain scores, further questioning long-term opioid use, particularly in view of major adverse effects associated with this medication.”

Natural Ways to Manage Chronic Arthritis

Medication can be one component of pain management, but doctors often recommend natural treatments as well. These may include:

• Exercise — Physical activity can help you manage your weight, increase mobility and flexibility and strengthen muscles.
• Cold and heat therapy — Warm showers, saunas, heating pads, ice packs and cold compresses can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Meditation and relaxation — Mindfulness can reduce stress and lower pain and inflammation.
• Healthy diet — A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can increase antioxidants, boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

Call Your Orthopedist to Manage Your Knee Pain

You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Your orthopedist can help you manage knee pain with a customized treatment plan. Knee, hip and joint surgeries are among some of the most common and successful procedures performed today, and your doctor can discuss several options to suit your needs. Call today to make an appointment.

Hip and knee replacement surgeries are among the most common procedures performed today, with over 1 million surgeries performed each year. With baby boomers aging, the demand for total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgeries will continue to rise as more Americans are diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Metal Allergy? A Rare but Painful Occurrence

Most joint replacement procedures are successful, but about ten percent will fail every year. Metal hypersensitivity is one of the causes of failure in a knee or a hip replacement, especially in patients undergoing revision surgery.

According to research, between 10 and 15 percent of the general population are sensitive to metal. Nickel is the most common metal allergy, followed by cobalt and chromium.

Some patients can experience allergies to metal in the joint hardware or the bone cement used to attach the joint to the bone. The allergies can cause symptoms including:

• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling
• Loosening of the joint

Non-Allergenic Components Improve Joint Replacement Success

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, using non-allergenic components in artificial joints can reduce complications. Karin Pacheco, MD, professor of medicine at National Jewish Health, has been analyzing allergies as a potential reason artificial joints fail. She asserts that replacing the artificial joint with non-allergenic materials may bring relief to many patients.

Pacheco and a group of research associates examined 105 patients with a failed joint that neither infection nor mechanical issues caused. The study found 34 patients were allergic to the metal, 39 were allergic to the bone cement, and 11 were allergic to both.

The research team also found:

• Patients who had metal sensitivity felt a sensation of “internal itching.”
• Two-thirds of the allergic patients had never previously experienced skin rashes or itching from contact with metals in jewelry, jean snaps or watchbands.

After a 12-month follow-up, Dr. Pacheco said the patients who had the artificial joint replaced with non-allergenic materials reported they experienced significant improvement in swelling, pain and instability.

More research is necessary to determine firm conclusions about metal allergies and joint replacement. However, this study shows the importance of testing for metal allergies when there seems to be no other cause for joint failure.

“Allergies to the metals or bone cement used in artificial joints are an under-appreciated cause of artificial joint failure,” said Pacheco. “Testing for allergies and replacement of the joints with non-allergenic materials can provide significant improvement in pain and limitation” (Medical Xpress).

Patients should talk to their physicians about the type of joint they will receive and any potential risks.

According to the CDC, over 54 million adults in the United States have arthritis, and the number may approach 78 million in 2040. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects over 32 million Americans.

A new study shows patients who received text messages encouraging them to exercise had better outcomes related to knee osteoarthritis.

Accountability Helps Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis

There are many reasons people don’t exercise, says Rachel Nelligan, a PhD candidate and physiotherapist at the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Exercise can be painful, and it is challenging to find quality treatment and remain motivated.

Nelligan conducted a randomized clinical trial on 180 patients with knee osteoarthritis to determine how motivation affects exercise and pain relief.

All participants had access to a free website that gave information about arthritis and emphasized the importance of being physically active. Half of the patients received a prescription for a 24-week exercise program, supplemented by automated text messages that encouraged them to keep exercising. The other half of the patients did not receive the same resources.

Not surprisingly, the patients who were in the intervention group showed improved mobility and decreased knee pain.

“People who had used the intervention group website and text message support told us the clear exercise instructions provided on the website enabled them to master the exercises without needing health professional input,” Nelligan said. “They also said the regular text message support was an important part of the program providing weekly exercise reminders and exercise motivation, as well as keeping them accountable to the program for the 24 weeks.”

Call Your Orthopedist to Manage Joint Pain

Are you looking forward to summer to spend more time outdoors? Warmer weather offers many opportunities to get moving, improve strength and reduce joint pain. If you have osteoarthritis or suffer from joint pain, it is essential to exercise regularly.

Your orthopedist can provide you with safe exercises to relieve joint pain and a fitness schedule that is compatible with your treatment plan. If you experience chronic pain in your knee, hip or shoulder, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a total joint replacement. These procedures are safe and successful with a surprisingly short recovery time.

Call today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.

Have you become less active during COVID? Since the onset of the pandemic, millions of Americans have become more sedentary. According to the American Psychological Association, 42 percent of adults have gained weight during COVID, at an average of 29 pounds. With 36.5 percent of Americans obese and another 32.5 percent overweight, additional “COVID weight” further increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, joint pain and arthritis.

A recent study found that the biggest challenge for desk workers is the lack of physical activity. Long periods of sitting affects joint and spine health, flexibility, posture and mobility. As you sit, the hip muscles progressively tighten from being hinged for long periods of time. Exercising after work is not sufficient to relieve tight hips, an aching back and sore shoulders. It is essential to find ways to remain active throughout the day.

How to Increase Activity During the Work Day

Taking regular breaks throughout the day can prevent health problems from unnecessary eye strain to joint stiffness, and chronic pain in the shoulders and neck. More important than how you move is how often you move.

Here are ten ways to stay active during your workday, even if you have a desk job:

1. Add steps to your commute—Get your body moving before the workday begins. Do you live close to your job? Try walking or riding your bike. If you take public transportation, get off at an earlier stop to walk a few extra blocks.
2. Park far away from the door—Try parking at the top of the parking garage or finding a space that is farthest from the front door of the office.
3. Sit on an exercise ball—An exercise ball is perfect for strengthening the core and the lower back. Sit in the ball during breaks, or use a headset and take calls while sitting on the ball.
4. Choose an active commute—Try to get some exercise before your workday even begins. If you live close to work, walk or bike to your job. If you ride a subway or bus, try getting off at an earlier stop to walk a few extra blocks to work.
5. Alternate sitting and standing—For every 30 minutes of sitting, stand for five minutes. It is even better if you can walk around during those five minutes.
6. Take the stairs—When you have the choice of taking the elevator or the stairs, choose stairs. Let everyone else wait in line for the elevator while you get in some extra steps.
7. Get a standing desk—There are so many options for standing desks and even treadmill desks. You can take conference calls or answer emails while moving your body.
8. Elevate your feet—Do you feel heaviness in your legs and feet? Elevating your feet on a bench, ottoman or stool can be very helpful. You could even take a break, lie down and elevate your legs against the wall.
9. Keep some fitness gear in your office—Consider keeping a fitness ball, resistance bands or even small, handheld weights in your office so you can do some strength training or stretching during a break.
10. Join a fitness center near your work—Instead of eating lunch, grab your gym bag and do a mid-day workout.

Call Your Orthopedist to Treat Joint Pain

Staying active is essential for your physical and mental health. If you are experiencing chronic pain, there is an underlying cause. Your orthopedist may have some treatments to reduce your pain, or it may be time to discuss total joint replacement.

You don’t have to live with joint, back or neck pain. Call today to get relief.