May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis, a condition caused by joint inflammation, affects 50 million Americans and 350 million individuals worldwide. Women are slightly more prone to arthritis than men, but the disease can affect anyone, even children.

What are the Types of Arthritis?

There are three main types of arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis—This is the most common type of arthritis. It forms when the cartilage at the end of a joint deteriorates and bone nerve fibers become exposed.
2. Rheumatoid—This type of arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the joints and causes joint inflammation and pain.
3. Psoriatic—This kind of arthritis affects people with psoriasis. The immune system not only attacks the joint but also the ligaments and tendons near the joint.

Chronic Stress Linked to Arthritis

Many factors can cause arthritis to develop, including age, injury and inflammation. A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research suggests stress can play a significant role in arthritis. The researchers found a strong association between chronic stress and the development of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Very few studies have explored the effects of “chronic stress-related physiological burden on musculoskeletal health,” but stress is a major contributor to arthritis, said Sarah N. Schwetlik, BPhysio, MMuscsklSportPhysio, of the University of South Australia. She and her colleagues examined 54 studies, and 41 of the studies showed associations between chronic stress and arthritis.

Scwetlik also discovered an “increased prevalence of both [osteoarthritis] and [rheumatoid arthritis] with increasing degrees of childhood difficulty” (Healio).

COVID-19 and Increased Stress Levels

Stress is not just a risk factor in arthritis development. Being under stress can also make arthritis symptoms worse. Pandemic-related job loss, financial strain and mental health pressure due to COVID-19 have caused millions of Americans to experience more anxiety than ever before. Although more Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations daily, the pandemic’s effects will continue for several years.

Stress response triggers chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, increasing muscle tension and setting off an inflammatory response in the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus are all fueled by inflammation. As the duration of stress increases, inflammation levels increase as well and become more destructive.

Ways to Manage Stress and Get Joint Pain Relief

One of the best ways to prevent arthritis or manage your arthritic complications is to manage your stress. By implementing stress-management techniques, you can reduce joint pain and improve your quality of life. Here are three ways to manage your stress and get joint pain relief:

• Exercise every day—Regular exercise like walking, swimming, biking and aerobic exercise can help release endorphins, chemicals that boost your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Yoga and meditation—Deep breathing, movement and mindfulness help slow the pulse and quiet the body to a calm state.
• Find a licensed therapist—Counseling can help you implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that allows you to view your worries from a different perspective (Arthritis Foundation).

Call Your Orthopedist

Are you suffering from chronic joint pain? Your orthopedist can help you get your arthritis under control by providing you with a treatment plan that may include de-stressing methods, medication, daily exercise and diet modifications. Call today to schedule an appointment so you can discuss your symptoms and get relief.

If you have persistent joint pain, getting treatment may not have been a priority for you during this stressful time; however, delaying treatment will only worsen joint problems. We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and who can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Getting treatment for your joint pain can help ensure you’re healthy and available to begin reconnecting with your loved ones.

Chronic Joint Pain is a Common Problem for Americans

If you’re struggling with pain in your knee, hip, shoulder or hand, you’re not alone? Orthopedic issues are the most common reason people seek medical attention. In fact, one in every seven Americans has had an orthopedic problem.

Although millions of Americans suffer from chronic joint pain, nearly 84 percent of all orthopedic procedures are expected to be delayed, postponed or canceled due to COVID-19. Because of the pandemic, many people have had to delay procedures including:

• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Shoulder and rotator cuff surgery
• ACL surgery
• Hand surgery
• Wrist surgery

Total Joint Replacement: A Safe, Successful Procedure

Total joint replacement, also called total joint arthroplasty (TJA), is among the most common and successful surgeries performed today. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged or arthritic joint and replaces it with a metal, plastic or ceramic prosthetic joint.

Surgeons perform nearly one million total joint arthroplasty procedures in the United States annually, giving patients years of pain relief and restored mobility. According to a 2019 study published in The Lancet, 82 percent of knee replacements still function after 25 years.

Do Not Delay Your Orthopedic Procedure

Make your joint health a priority so you can enjoy reconnecting with your family. If your surgery center had to cancel your hip, knee or shoulder replacement or hand or wrist surgery, this could be the ideal time to reschedule your procedure. Your surgery center may have shortened hours, but you can still call the office to schedule a surgery, speak to a nurse or leave a message for your doctor.

You don’t have to continue to live with joint pain. Call an orthopedic specialist to schedule an appointment today and begin your journey toward relief!

Staying active is an essential component in weight loss and overall health. Not all types of exercise are beneficial for your joints, however. According to a new study, sports like tennis and racquetball could cause knee joints to degenerate faster in overweight people with arthritis.

Racket Sports Can Worsen Arthritis

A research team assessed knee degeneration in 415 obese or overweight patients who participated in the U.S. Osteoarthritis Initiative. The patients kept records of their physical activity, which included cycling, jogging, swimming, elliptical trainer, ball sports and racket sports.

According to MRI results, the patients who preferred the elliptical trainer experienced the least knee degeneration. Patients who participated in racket sports experienced significantly more knee degeneration than patients who preferred running and jogging.

Silvia Schiro, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Parma, Italy, led the research. Schiro said racket sports cause more knee degeneration because they are fast-paced, high shear load exercises that require rapid side-to-side movement.

“A large lateral force imparted at the foot during side-to-side movements may be driving large knee adduction moments, a key feature in medial compartment disease, which imparts high compressive loads on the medial tibia and femoral condyle,” Schiro explained (Eurekalert).

Jogging, running, swimming and elliptical machines use a forward motion, which places less strain on joints. Schiro noted that not all overweight arthritic patients are at risk for further knee injury.

“It is possible that some individuals with sufficient strength and motor control may be able to safely play [racket] sports,” she said. “Our data suggests that as a group, though, overweight and obese individuals who play racket sports are at higher risk for disease progression.”

Safe Knee Exercises for Arthritis

Arthritis is a complex process, which means all patients need an individualized treatment plan. Regular exercise is important, but certain types of physical activity could damage your knees further and lead to a total joint replacement surgery known as total joint arthroplasty.

Talk with your doctor about specific knee exercises to avoid. If you enjoy racket sports, ask your doctor about possible substitutions for tennis and racquetball such as badminton or doubles tennis.

Schedule a Total Joint Arthroplasty Consultation

Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 14 million Americans. If you are experiencing chronic knee or hip pain, call your orthopedist to make an appointment. Your doctor can help you manage your pain and get back to living an active, independent lifestyle.

A new study found patients who feel anxious or depressed before joint replacement surgery could experience adverse outcomes. It is important to discuss your health with your doctor before the procedure so you can have a successful recovery.

What is Total Joint Replacement?

Total joint replacement, also known as total joint arthroplasty (TJA), is a surgical procedure in which parts of a damaged joint or arthritic joint are removed and replaced with a plastic, metal or ceramic device called a prosthesis.

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common, cost-effective and successful surgeries in medicine today. There are more than one million total joint replacement procedures performed in the United States every year, and the number is expected to increase to four million in 2030.

Depression, Anxiety and Pain Anticipation Predict Outcomes

According to an online article published in October in the Journal of Pain, even mild anxiety, depression and pain anticipation can influence whether total joint replacement patients experience pain relief after surgery.

Nils Georg Niederstrasser, Ph.D., from the University of Portsmouth, U.K., and Stephanie Cook, Ph.D., from De Montfort University in Leicester, U.K., examined 26 studies that analyzed the effect of preoperative psychological predictors on knee and hip replacements that did not require revision surgery.

Dr. Niederstrasser and Dr. Cook found evidence that depression and anxiety affected postoperative pain intensity and joint function, and that pain anticipation affected postoperative pain intensity (Medical Xpress).

Get the Best Results from Your Total Joint Replacement

Even though there are no studies to support the effects of a positive mindset on total joint replacement outcomes, there is strong evidence that negative thoughts and feelings are detrimental.

There are certain health issues that can make you more prone to complications during surgery. Your doctor and surgeon can help create a plan to reduce your modifiable risk factors, or risk factors that you can change.

Modifiable risk factors include:

• Body weight—your doctor may recommend you lose weight if you are overweight or obese
• Smoking—quitting smoking is important to optimize surgical results
• Blood sugar—diabetics or pre-diabetics should get blood sugar levels under control before surgery

Some risk factors are non-modifiable, but your surgical team will address those issues in your treatment and recovery plan (American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons). Some examples are:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Lung disease

Getting Healthy Before Surgery

Taking active steps toward a healthier lifestyle can help boost your optimism about your upcoming joint replacement surgery.  Eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and getting plenty of rest are essential to mentally and physically prepare you for surgery.

It is also important to assemble a network of social support of family and friends to assist you to recover. Consider asking your loved ones to:

• Help you create a comfortable space on the first floor of your home where you can recover
• Drive you to and from the surgery
• Pick up prescription medication
• Do grocery shopping and prepare some easy meals. You may also consider preparing and freezing some meals before surgery.
• Visit you or call you occasionally to check on you and boost your spirits

Schedule a Total Joint Arthroplasty Consultation

Even though you cannot eliminate all risk factors, you can take proactive steps toward optimum health, which will facilitate your recovery. Joint replacement can help you live a fuller and longer life. Call your orthopedic surgeon to ask if you are a candidate for total joint replacement. Some careful planning can help you stay positive and encouraged to prepare for the surgery and the recovery.

Younger knee replacement patients are more likely to require revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee replacement surgery, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. More patients are choosing TKA at a younger age, and one study predicts TKA surgeries will surge 183 percent by 2030.

Most younger TKA patients do very well, but this age group has a higher rate of knee replacement revision surgery during their lifetime. A group of researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care conducted a study comparing previous TKA and revision TKA surgeries in older and younger patients.

Knee Replacement Revision and Smoking

James Keeney, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, reviewed medical records of TKA patients 55 and younger and compared them to records of patients between 60 and 75. Keeney and his research team found younger patients were twice as likely to require knee replacement revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients. Younger patients were also more likely to get an infection or experience mechanical complications with the new joint.

Although many factors can cause a joint to fail, Keeney says one of the most likely culprits is smoking. Past studies found tobacco use increases the risk for infection and wound complications. Keeney suggests doctors should include smoking cessation programs as part of TKA treatment plans (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Total Knee Arthroplasty Consultation

Are you considering total knee arthroplasty? Call your orthopedist and schedule a consultation. If you are a smoker, talk with your doctor about a smoking cessation program, so you can quit smoking before your knee replacement procedure.

New research suggests patients with joint, bone and muscle pain experienced a worsening of symptoms during COVID-related quarantine.

According to a recent study from the University of East Anglia, people with musculoskeletal pain cited intensified symptoms during government lockdown. The study, led by Dr. Toby Smith and Professor Alex MacGregor, reviewed online surveys of 678 citizens of the United Kingdom to assess how patients managed joint, bone and muscle pain during quarantine and how quarantine restrictions impacted their access to healthcare.

Dr. Smith and Professor MacGregor began the survey at the end of April 2020, just five weeks after the COVID lockdown. Traditionally, doctors prescribe medications and physical activity to manage bone, muscle and joint disease. The study found patients who experienced loneliness and social isolation were less likely to seek medical care.

The researchers also discovered:

• 53 percent of surveyed patients said their bone, joint and muscle issues had worsened since lockdown
• About 33 percent of the patients said they needed to visit their primary care physician or the rheumatology department at a hospital
• More than 88 percent of patients said they could access their medication without difficulty, but 44 percent needed assistance from others to access it.

“Our results show that the coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge to people’s health and wellbeing, both to young and older people,” said Dr. Toby Smith. “We wanted to know how the new restrictions might be affecting pain, and better understand who is most at risk of experiencing flare-ups, or reduced wellbeing due to social isolation and loneliness.”

Call Your Orthopedist

If you have had to cancel an appointment or procedure because of the COVID-19 quarantine, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

According to GlobalData, more than eight out of ten musculoskeletal procedures have been postponed, canceled or delayed because of COVID. However, almost all surgery centers and orthopedic practices have resumed appointments and procedures. Has the pandemic affected your bone, joint or muscle pain? The remaining weeks of the year could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your appointment, surgery or procedure. You can experience pain relief, increased mobility and more independence to do the activities you enjoy.

Total hip replacements and total knee replacements are two of the most common and successful surgeries performed today, but they can still fail due to normal wear and tear, fracture or infection. Revision surgery is less effective and associated with more complications. Therefore, the goal is to make the first hip replacement last as long as possible.

If you are considering a total joint replacement procedure, your top priority is a positive outcome. A new study from the United Kingdom published in PLOS Medicine found that choosing the best hip implant was more critical than selecting the best surgeon.

Implant Choice is More Important Than a Surgeon’s Skill

Researchers at the Musculoskeletal Research Unit at the University of Bristol, the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, and the University of Exeter used data from the National Joint Registry to analyze 650,000 patients from England and Wales who had a hip replacement. One hospital had significantly better outcomes compared to others. The research team found the “outstanding hip implant survival results” from this hospital were linked to hip implant choice rather than the surgeon’s skill who performed the total hip replacement.

Jonathan Evans, Academic Clinical Lecturer at the Bristol Medical School Translational Health Sciences (THS) based at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, was the lead author. “We want patients…to feel empowered to ask their surgeon not only what implants they plan to use for their hip replacement but, more importantly, to ask for the long-term evidence that the implant works well,” he said. “If they do not feel happy with the answer, then patients should feel confident asking for another opinion or even vote with their feet and go to a different hospital” (University of Exeter).

Is Hip Replacement Right for You?

The best way to know whether you are a candidate for a hip replacement is to speak to your orthopedist. Many hip replacement patients experience some or all of the following:

• Hip pain during the day and night
• Hip pain that continues during resting
• Stiffness in the hip that limits mobility in the leg or prevents lifting the leg
• Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
• Insufficient pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, walking supports or physical therapy

Call Your Doctor for an Evaluation

Do not let hip pain restrict your lifestyle and activities. One of our orthopedists can schedule a consultation to discuss the best hip implant for your specific goals. Your doctor will provide a full evaluation and a detailed treatment plan so you can resume your normal activities without pain. Call our office today to make an appointment.

A recent study finds excess weight is responsible for almost 25 percent of arthritis cases in the United States.

Are you suffering from joint pain and considering a total hip replacement or total knee replacement? According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 23 percent of all Americans have arthritis, and one in four adults with arthritis experience acute joint pain. New research reveals body weight as a significant arthritis risk factor.

Healthy Body Weight Lowers Risk for Arthritis

Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published a new study that found excess weight causes nearly one-quarter of all arthritis cases in the United States, affecting 2.7 million people. Weight loss between early adulthood and middle age lowered the risk for arthritis. The study also showed that people who were overweight in early life and then lost weight were not at elevated risk for arthritis.

The study examined data on adults between the ages of 40 and 69, taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Researchers categorized adults based on variations in their body mass indices between early adulthood to mid-life, and they examined the link between BMI and the risk of developing osteoarthritis within the next decade.

Overweight and obese adults, as well as adults who initially had a normal BMI and became overweight or obese, were all more likely to develop arthritis compared to adults whose BMI remained in the normal weight zone.

Kaitlyn Berry was the lead author of the study while she was a research fellow at BUSPH. Berry said weight loss was extremely effective in reducing individual arthritis risk, but preventing weight gain was a more beneficial goal on a national level.

“These findings highlight the need for lifelong public health measures to prevent obesity at younger ages as an important step to curb later life musculoskeletal and joint health problems such as osteoarthritis. This is particularly important as musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of disability globally,” said Dr. Tuhina Neogi, study co-author and professor of epidemiology at BUSPH, professor of medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, and chief of rheumatology at Boston Medical Center (Medical Express).

Call your Orthopedist

If you are suffering from chronic pain and are considering a total joint replacement, make an appointment with your orthopedist. Bodyweight is a significant arthritis risk factor, and your doctor can discuss various treatment options with you. Total hip replacement and total knee replacement may be the right course of treatment for you, but weight loss could be beneficial for your joints and your overall health.

A new study published in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests total hip replacement surgery could remedy hip pain as well as lower back pain.

Back Pain and Hip Pain in America

Back pain and hip pain are two of the most common complaints in adults. Back pain is the leading cause of disability and prevents millions of Americans from going to work and taking part in daily activities. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.

More than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. A hip replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a worn-out, painful hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from plastic and metal components. Total hip replacement has an extremely high success rate, and 95 percent of patients report experiencing relief.

Total Hip Replacement May Have Additional Benefit

There may be a solution to solve hip pain and back pain simultaneously. A research team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City analyzed 500 patients who had total hip replacement surgery and followed up with the patients the following year.

More than 40 percent of patients said they experienced lower back pain before their total hip replacement surgery. Within that group, 82 percent stated their lower back pain disappeared after surgery. In fact, the pain was “completely gone,” said Dr. Jonathan Vigdorchik, a hip and knee surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Vigdorchik found the highest success rates for eliminating hip and back pain were among patients whose spines were healthy and flexible. When a person’s spine is flexible, a weak or stiff hip can cause the spine to move more than usual, which can be painful. If the hip problem directly caused the back pain, the total hip replacement often solved both issues.

Patients whose spines had stiffened due to arthritis did not experience the same relief. Dr. Vigdorchik said since these patients already had arthritis of the spine, total hip replacement surgery was unlikely to alleviate back pain.

A thorough exam and a full panel of X-rays can be instrumental in helping physicians know whether back pain can be resolved with total hip replacement.

“Anytime [doctors are] looking at the hip, they should also look at the back, and anytime they’re looking at the knee, they should also look at the hip,” Vigdorchik said.

Make an Appointment with Your Orthopedist

Are you experiencing lower back pain in conjunction with hip pain? Call your orthopedist to make an appointment for a consultation and X-rays. A total hip replacement may provide relief for your back as well as your hip. You do not have to accept chronic pain as a way of life. One procedure could provide double benefits, so call today.

If your surgery center had to cancel your total knee or total hip replacement surgery due to COVID-19, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

Almost 84 percent of elective orthopedic procedures in the U.S. have been delayed or canceled because of coronavirus. However, most surgery centers are performing procedures at this time. Did the pandemic affect your hip, knee or shoulder replacement or spinal fusion? These next few weeks could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Will My Surgery Center Close Again?

There are many uncertainties related to COVID-19, and it is impossible to predict the course the virus will take. Because surgery centers are open now, you should call today to schedule your procedure. Delaying that call could mean you may have to wait much longer.

How Can I Reach My Doctor?

Your surgery center may be seeing fewer patients, but you can still contact the office to leave a message for your surgeon. If you have a routine orthopedic problem, you may call the office and speak to a nurse. Some surgeons may offer telehealth, where you can talk to your physician virtually and describe your symptoms.

What Can I Do While I am Waiting for Surgery?

If you are waiting for total joint replacement surgery for your knee, hip or shoulder, you can try some of these treatments at home:

1. Alter your activities to avoid putting stress or strain on the affected joint.
2. Limit climbing stairs, walking long distances or lifting heavy objects.
3. Apply heat or ice to the joint.
4. Take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain.
5. Try to do light exercise to preserve movement in the affected joint.
6. Talk to your doctor about getting an injection of corticosteroid into the sore joint to control pain until you can reschedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your total joint replacement surgery or orthopedic procedure. You will benefit from increased mobility and better quality of life, so do not delay in contacting your surgery center.