Article featured on Harvard Health Publishing
Many nutrients play a role in bone health, such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. If you eat a healthy diet (with lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins), you’ll get enough of most nutrients needed to keep your bones healthy and functioning well. But some nutrients require extra effort to ensure adequate intake when we’re older.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the main ingredients of bone, and it’s essential for cell, muscle, heart, and nerve function. We don’t make calcium on our own — it comes from dietary sources (which are the safest and most effective) or calcium supplements. If there isn’t enough calcium in the bloodstream, the body raids the bones for supplies, thinning the bones.
“The parathyroid gland sends a message commanding cells called osteoclasts to chew up bone and spit out calcium. If that’s how calcium levels are sustained, it takes a toll on your bones. It’s like going to the bank and taking out $100; if you do it every day, you’ll run out of money. So think of dietary calcium not as building bone, but as preventing calcium from being sucked out of bone,” explains Dr. Harold Rosen, an endocrinologist and director of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Calcium goals and sources
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of calcium for people ages 51 or older is 1,200 milligrams (mg) per day for women, and 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day for men.
Rich sources of dietary calcium include dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt), nuts, seeds, beans, soy, certain vegetables (leafy greens, rhubarb, artichoke, squash), fruits, and seafood.
“As a rough rule of thumb, I tell patients that a cup of milk, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice, almonds, beans, or certain greens [kale, spinach, broccoli] has about 300 milligrams [mg] of calcium. I think that’s easy to remember,” Dr. Rosen says.
Fortified juices and nut milks have extra calcium. For example, fortified orange juice contains about 300 mg of calcium per cup, compared with 27 mg in regular orange juice. A cup of almond milk has 450 mg of calcium.
If you can’t get enough calcium in your diet, take a low-dose calcium supplement to reach your daily RDA goal, but not more. Some studies show that large doses of calcium pills may increase the risk for developing kidney stones and possibly increase the risk of having a heart attack.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for many body systems, especially bones. Vitamin D helps our bodies to absorb calcium (in the gut, which sends it to the bloodstream), and to regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus (which are needed to build bone).
Our bodies make vitamin D when sunlight turns a chemical in the skin into vitamin D3, which the body then transforms into an active form of vitamin D. But be careful about sun exposure; if it’s longer than a few minutes, you’ll need sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
It’s possible to get some of your vitamin D from food, but few foods contain it. “A 6-ounce portion of salmon has about 1,000 international units [IU] of vitamin D. You can drink vitamin D–fortified milk or orange juice, and certain mushrooms also have vitamin D,” Dr. Rosen says.
It’s easier (and safer than sun exposure) to take a vitamin D3 supplement. “Healthy older adults who don’t have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, and those who have the precursor condition to osteoporosis called osteopenia, should take 600 to 800 IU per day. If you have osteoporosis, take 1,500 to 2,000 IU per day,” Dr. Rosen advises.
Protein
We call proteins the building blocks of life. They give cells structure; power chemical reactions throughout the body; and build and repair skin, muscles, and bones.
In bone, protein makes up a major part of the mass and volume, creating a meshwork of fibers that lay the foundation for growth. “Protein is like scaffolding. Calcium and phosphorous form on it and stiffen up,” Dr. Rosen explains.
To support the body’s needs, we need to consume healthy sources of protein: dairy products, fish, poultry, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables such as corn, broccoli, and asparagus. But appetite can decline with aging, and you may find you’re cutting back on protein — perhaps eating just a tiny portion of fish or chicken rather than the larger helpings you once enjoyed.
“If you’re protein-deficient, you can’t build muscle, skin, or bones,” Dr. Rosen warns. “You need protein for strength and stability.”
To figure out how much protein you need, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36. For example, a 170-pound person would need to eat about 61 grams of protein per day (170 × 0.36 = 61.2).
That may sound like a lot, but protein adds up quickly if you eat the right foods. For example, a breakfast of one-and-a-half cups of bran cereal with a cup of skim milk starts you out with 14 grams of protein. A midmorning snack of half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese and some blueberries adds another 12 grams. For lunch, a small spinach salad with half a cup of cooked lentils and 3 ounces of salmon or chicken gives you another 30 grams. That’s already 56 grams before dinner! But don’t overdo it on protein intake; the jury is still out on whether too much dietary protein is safe for bones.
Two-for-one
You get a two-for-one benefit when you eat proteins that are also calcium-rich. Examples include canned salmon (with the bones) or sardines, beans, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk), leafy greens, and nuts.
And the best way to ensure healthy bones is not only eating right but also maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes daily weight-bearing exercise (such as brisk walking and weight training), limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking. All of those lifestyle habits are linked to another benefit: warding off chronic disease. Take advantage of these “two-fers” and protect your bones if you aren’t already doing it.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
6 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Orthopedic Health
in Orthopedic Sports Medicine NewsArticle featured on South Shore Orthopedics
Have you heard some crazy theories regarding orthopedic health? Orthopedic health encompasses the well-being of our bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. However, several myths and misconceptions surrounding this field can lead to misunderstandings and potentially harmful beliefs.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: Only Athletes and Older Adults Need Orthopedic Care
One prevalent misconception is that orthopedic care is only necessary for athletes or older adults. While athletes and older individuals are more prone to orthopedic injuries and conditions, people of all ages and activity levels can experience orthopedic issues. Genetics, lifestyle, occupational hazards, and even accidents can contribute to orthopedic problems. Everyone needs to pay attention to their orthopedic health and seek appropriate care when needed.
Myth 2: Rest Is the Best Treatment for Orthopedic Injuries
Rest is an essential component of the recovery process for orthopedic injuries; however, it is not always the sole or best treatment. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, a comprehensive treatment plan may include physical therapy, exercises, bracing, medications, or even surgery. Rest alone may lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and delayed healing. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each injury.
Myth 3: Orthopedic Surgery Should Be Avoided at All Costs
There is common myths that orthopedic surgery should be the last resort and avoided whenever possible. While surgery is not always necessary for orthopedic conditions, it can provide significant benefits in some instances. Advances in surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and improved recovery protocols have made orthopedic surgery safer and more effective.
In some instances, surgery may be the most effective option to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life. Decisions regarding surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon based on individual circumstances and medical advice.
Myth 4: Exercise Aggravates Orthopedic Conditions
Some people mistakenly believe exercise can worsen orthopedic conditions or lead to further damage. Appropriate exercise and physical activity are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for orthopedic conditions. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, promote joint stability, and improve overall function. However, it is crucial to engage in activities suitable for the specific condition and follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist to ensure proper form and technique.
Myth 5: Orthopedic Conditions Are Inevitable with Aging
Aging is often associated with orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, it is one of the common myths that these conditions are inevitable and nothing can be done to prevent or manage them. While age-related changes in our musculoskeletal system are natural, adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive strain on joints can help prevent or delay the onset of orthopedic conditions.
Additionally, early intervention, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications can effectively manage orthopedic conditions and improve quality of life.
Myth 6: Over-the-Counter Medications Are Always Sufficient for Orthopedic Pain
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage mild to moderate orthopedic pain. However, they may not always be sufficient for severe or chronic pain.
A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent pain or pain that interferes with daily activities to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options. Prescription medications, physical therapy, injections, or other interventions may be necessary for effective pain management.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs for Building Bone
in Bone Health, Nutrition & General HealthArticle featured on Harvard Health Publishing
Many nutrients play a role in bone health, such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. If you eat a healthy diet (with lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins), you’ll get enough of most nutrients needed to keep your bones healthy and functioning well. But some nutrients require extra effort to ensure adequate intake when we’re older.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the main ingredients of bone, and it’s essential for cell, muscle, heart, and nerve function. We don’t make calcium on our own — it comes from dietary sources (which are the safest and most effective) or calcium supplements. If there isn’t enough calcium in the bloodstream, the body raids the bones for supplies, thinning the bones.
“The parathyroid gland sends a message commanding cells called osteoclasts to chew up bone and spit out calcium. If that’s how calcium levels are sustained, it takes a toll on your bones. It’s like going to the bank and taking out $100; if you do it every day, you’ll run out of money. So think of dietary calcium not as building bone, but as preventing calcium from being sucked out of bone,” explains Dr. Harold Rosen, an endocrinologist and director of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Calcium goals and sources
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of calcium for people ages 51 or older is 1,200 milligrams (mg) per day for women, and 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day for men.
Rich sources of dietary calcium include dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt), nuts, seeds, beans, soy, certain vegetables (leafy greens, rhubarb, artichoke, squash), fruits, and seafood.
“As a rough rule of thumb, I tell patients that a cup of milk, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice, almonds, beans, or certain greens [kale, spinach, broccoli] has about 300 milligrams [mg] of calcium. I think that’s easy to remember,” Dr. Rosen says.
Fortified juices and nut milks have extra calcium. For example, fortified orange juice contains about 300 mg of calcium per cup, compared with 27 mg in regular orange juice. A cup of almond milk has 450 mg of calcium.
If you can’t get enough calcium in your diet, take a low-dose calcium supplement to reach your daily RDA goal, but not more. Some studies show that large doses of calcium pills may increase the risk for developing kidney stones and possibly increase the risk of having a heart attack.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for many body systems, especially bones. Vitamin D helps our bodies to absorb calcium (in the gut, which sends it to the bloodstream), and to regulate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus (which are needed to build bone).
Our bodies make vitamin D when sunlight turns a chemical in the skin into vitamin D3, which the body then transforms into an active form of vitamin D. But be careful about sun exposure; if it’s longer than a few minutes, you’ll need sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
It’s possible to get some of your vitamin D from food, but few foods contain it. “A 6-ounce portion of salmon has about 1,000 international units [IU] of vitamin D. You can drink vitamin D–fortified milk or orange juice, and certain mushrooms also have vitamin D,” Dr. Rosen says.
It’s easier (and safer than sun exposure) to take a vitamin D3 supplement. “Healthy older adults who don’t have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, and those who have the precursor condition to osteoporosis called osteopenia, should take 600 to 800 IU per day. If you have osteoporosis, take 1,500 to 2,000 IU per day,” Dr. Rosen advises.
Protein
We call proteins the building blocks of life. They give cells structure; power chemical reactions throughout the body; and build and repair skin, muscles, and bones.
In bone, protein makes up a major part of the mass and volume, creating a meshwork of fibers that lay the foundation for growth. “Protein is like scaffolding. Calcium and phosphorous form on it and stiffen up,” Dr. Rosen explains.
To support the body’s needs, we need to consume healthy sources of protein: dairy products, fish, poultry, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables such as corn, broccoli, and asparagus. But appetite can decline with aging, and you may find you’re cutting back on protein — perhaps eating just a tiny portion of fish or chicken rather than the larger helpings you once enjoyed.
“If you’re protein-deficient, you can’t build muscle, skin, or bones,” Dr. Rosen warns. “You need protein for strength and stability.”
To figure out how much protein you need, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36. For example, a 170-pound person would need to eat about 61 grams of protein per day (170 × 0.36 = 61.2).
That may sound like a lot, but protein adds up quickly if you eat the right foods. For example, a breakfast of one-and-a-half cups of bran cereal with a cup of skim milk starts you out with 14 grams of protein. A midmorning snack of half a cup of low-fat cottage cheese and some blueberries adds another 12 grams. For lunch, a small spinach salad with half a cup of cooked lentils and 3 ounces of salmon or chicken gives you another 30 grams. That’s already 56 grams before dinner! But don’t overdo it on protein intake; the jury is still out on whether too much dietary protein is safe for bones.
Two-for-one
You get a two-for-one benefit when you eat proteins that are also calcium-rich. Examples include canned salmon (with the bones) or sardines, beans, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk), leafy greens, and nuts.
And the best way to ensure healthy bones is not only eating right but also maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes daily weight-bearing exercise (such as brisk walking and weight training), limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking. All of those lifestyle habits are linked to another benefit: warding off chronic disease. Take advantage of these “two-fers” and protect your bones if you aren’t already doing it.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Signs, Treatment and Prevention of Tendonitis
in Tendon InjuriesThe Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Why It’s Important to Warm-Up Before Exercise With Osteoarthritis
in Health & Wellness, OsteoarthritisThe Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
The Connection Between Stress and Musculoskeletal
in MusculoskeletalArticle featured on Focus Physiotherapy
Stress is a normal part of life, and it can take many forms, including emotional, physical, and psychological stress. While stress can have a wide range of effects on the body, one of the most common is musculoskeletal pain. This type of pain is caused by tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and it can manifest in different areas of the body, such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
The connection between stress and musculoskeletal pain is well-established. Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and soreness. When the body is under stress, the nervous system releases a hormone called cortisol, which can increase inflammation and cause pain. Stress can also lead to poor posture and inactivity, which can further contribute to muscle pain.
One of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain from stress is tension headaches. Tension headaches are caused by a tightening of the muscles in the head, face, and neck, and they can be triggered by emotional stress, such as anxiety or depression. Other common stress-related musculoskeletal pain includes: fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
There are a few ways to help alleviate stress-related musculoskeletal pain. Regular exercise can help to release tension in the muscles and improve overall physical and emotional well-being. Yoga, tai chi, and other mind-body practices can also be effective in reducing stress and pain. Additionally, stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in reducing pain and stress.
It is also important to have good sleep hygiene and maintain a balanced diet can help to manage stress and reduce pain.
In conclusion, the connection between stress and musculoskeletal pain is well-established. Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, leading to pain, stiffness, and soreness. Regular exercise, stress management techniques, good sleep hygiene, and a balanced diet can help to alleviate stress-related musculoskeletal pain. If pain is persistent or chronic, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
The Importance of Foot Health: Everything You Need to Know
in Feet, Foot PainArticle featured on Santiam Hospital & Clinics
Have you ever stopped to think about just how vital our feet are? They’re our primary mode of transportation and are essential in facilitating our mobility. However, we often overlook their health, even when we experience pain.
Our feet are important and we need to take better care of them. In this blog, we’ll talk about the importance of foot health and how to maintain healthy feet.
Why Foot Health Matters
Our feet are composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these parts work together in unison, we can stand, walk, run, and jump without any problems. However, when some of these parts are out of sync, it can cause a variety of foot problems.
Ignoring foot pain can cause the problem to worsen, leading to more severe discomfort and pain. Worse yet, untreated foot problems can lead to long-term joint or muscle damage, making it harder to walk and move.
That’s why it’s essential to take good care of our feet because they play a significant role in our overall well-being.
How to Maintain Healthy Feet
There are many things you can do to maintain your feet’s health. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Shoes – Wearing the right shoes that fit correctly and offer support is essential in preventing foot problems. When shopping for shoes, look for those that provide adequate arch support, a firm heel counter, and room for your toes to move. Avoid shoes with pointed toes and high heels.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry – Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
Trim Your Toenails Regularly – Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short, as this can lead to ingrown toenails. File your nails gently afterward to smooth any rough edges.
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Being overweight can put additional pressure on your feet, leading to foot pain and discomfort. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight to avoid these problems.
Visit a Podiatrist for Regular Check-ups – Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists trained to treat a wide range of foot conditions. They can assist you in maintaining healthy feet and address any problems that arise.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is Joint Replacement Surgery?
in Joint Pain, Joint ReplacementArticle featured on National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a damaged joint and replaces it with a new, artificial part. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and shoulder. The surgery is usually done by a doctor called an orthopaedic (or-tho-PEE-dik) surgeon. Sometimes, the surgeon will not remove the whole joint, but will only replace or fix the damaged parts.
The doctor may suggest a joint replacement to improve how you live. Replacing a joint can relieve pain and help you move and feel better. Hips and knees are replaced most often. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulders, fingers, ankles, and elbows.
What Can Happen to Joints?
Joints can be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes. Arthritis or simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing problems in the bones, which need blood to be healthy, grow, and repair themselves.
What is a New Joint Like?
A new joint, called a prosthesis (praas-THEE-sis), can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic parts. It may be cemented into place or not cemented, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods may be combined to keep the new joint in place. Your doctor will discuss these options with you.
When Should Joint Replacement Be Considered?
Your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery when other treatments are not effective in relieving pain and helping you move. These include walking aids such as braces or canes, physical therapy, medicines, exercise, and weight loss.
Your doctor may also consider a different surgery that does not involve replacing the whole joint.
Joint replacement is often the answer if you have constant pain and can’t move the joint well—for example, if you have trouble with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and taking a bath.
What Happens During Surgery?
First, the surgical team will give you medicine so you won’t feel pain (anesthesia). The medicine may block the pain only in one part of the body (regional), or it may put your whole body to sleep (general). The surgical team will then replace the damaged joint with a new artificial joint.
Each surgery is different. How long it takes depends on how badly the joint is damaged and how the surgery is done. Your doctor or someone on your doctor’s team will inform you how to prepare for surgery, how long it will take, and what to expect in the hours after surgery.
What Happens After Surgery?
Several things affect how soon you will be able to return home after joint replacement. These include the type of surgery that you have, your medical history and your support network at home. You may have some temporary pain in the new joint because your muscles are weak from not being used. Also, your body is healing. The pain can be helped with medicines and should end in a few weeks or months.
Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain motion in the joint.
As you move your new joint and let your muscles grow strong again, pain will lessen, flexibility will increase, and movement will improve.
Are There Risks Associated with Joint Replacement?
Any surgery has risks. The risks of joint surgery will depend on your overall health and the health of your joints before surgery, and the type of surgery done.
After surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice about what to eat, how to take your medicines, and how to exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or trouble moving.
Joint replacement is usually a success in most people who have it. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible problems include: infection, blood clots, loosening of the new joint, and nerve and blood vessel injuries.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Relationship Between Poor Posture and Spinal Degeneration
in SpineArticle featured on McNulty Spine
Poor posture not only looks sloppy, but it can also significantly impact your spinal health, leading to a degeneration of your intervertebral discs.
Why do discs degenerate?
Intervertebral discs are the shock-absorbing pads that sit between the vertebrae in our spine. They help distribute the forces on our spine during movement, such as walking or running. Over time, these disks can begin to degenerate, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, but certain lifestyle factors can accelerate the process.
How poor posture leads to disc degeneration
One of the biggest factors that contribute to disc degeneration is poor posture. When you slouch or hunch over, you put more pressure on your lumbar spine, which can cause your discs to wear down more quickly. And when your discs lose their cushioning ability, your vertebrae lose their protection and rub against each other, leading to further damage and pain.
Sitting for long periods, especially if you slouch, exacerbates the problem. Plus, when you sit, you put more pressure on your discs than when you stand or walk, causing the discs to compress.
The bottom line is that poor posture can accelerate natural disc degeneration.
The link between sitting and disc degeneration
Unfortunately, most folks spend most of their day sitting at a desk or on the couch. If you sit a lot, it affects your spine in two ways.
Sitting reduces the amount of muscle activity in your lower back, which can cause the discs to bear more weight.
Sitting also places more pressure on your lower back than standing or walking, further contributing to disc degeneration.
How we treat posture-related disc degeneration
There’s no cure for disc degeneration — posture-related or otherwise — but Dr. McNulty can relieve your pain and other symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. You can do your part by adopting proper posture. As for our part, here are a few of the treatments Dr. McNulty uses, depending on your unique condition and symptoms.
Poor posture can significantly impact our spinal health, but you can avoid the problems by keeping your spine straight and neutral and taking breaks from prolonged sitting.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
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How Obesity Impacts Your Joints
in Joint Pain, pain relief, Prevention, Weight LossArticle featured on Cary Orthopaedics
How Obesity Impacts Your Joints
When discussing health conditions caused by obesity, we most often hear about diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But did you know your weight can have a significant impact on your bones, joints and muscles, too? In this article, we address how obesity impacts your joints and ways to prevent joint damage with weight loss.
Obesity has become one of the most common diseases negatively affecting bone and joint health. More than 40 percent of adults in the United States are considered obese. In North Carolina, the percentage of obese adults is between 30% and 35%.
The percentage of adults with obesity has more than doubled over the past 30 years, and with it, so have the number of joint problems. Obesity can damage joints and cause other orthopedic health problems.
With these staggering statistics, it’s time to take a closer look at the impact of obesity on joint health.
How to define obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined weight-to-height ratios by calculating a person’s body mass index, or BMI. A BMI that is too low is underweight, and one that exceeds healthy ranges is considered overweight or obese.
To calculate your body mass index, divide your weight by your height squared, then multiply that number by 703. Use the CDC’s BMI calculator to determine your BMI.
Being overweight causes joint damage
How does obesity affect your joints? Obesity increases your risk of joint pain and damage. It is a top risk factor for initiating and progressing osteoarthritis in load-bearing joints like the knee, hip and ankle.
The more weight placed on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes. The smooth cartilage at the ends of the bones begins to wear down and become damaged. Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage is worn down and pain and stiffness in the joint increase. Additional weight on the joint adds even more stress, pressure and pain.
Extra weight also puts pressure on the tendons, or connecting tissue, around the joints. Tendons connect muscles to the bones, so any extra weight pushing down on joints causes the tendons to become inflamed, leading to tendonitis.
The effects of obesity are felt especially in the hip and knee joints. Studies consistently show that obesity causes higher rates of osteoarthritis in the knees. Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent painful joint conditions.
Each pound of body weight is equivalent to four to six pounds of pressure on each knee joint. For example, a person who is 10 pounds overweight has an extra 40 to 60 pounds of pressure on their knees. A person who is 100 pounds overweight has an additional 400 to 600 pounds of weight on their knees.
With the number of steps most people take daily, it’s easy to see how the added pressure leads to significant damage in weight-bearing joints.
This is why obese individuals have a 20 times higher likelihood of needing a knee replacement than those within a healthy weight. The effects of obesity can also alter people’s gait and the stress placed on other joints.
Obesity causes health challenges
Being overweight puts you at risk for additional problems such as rotator cuff tendonitis, shoulder impingements, fractures in the leg or ankle, meniscal tears, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and other problems.
Falling can also cause problems for heavy people. Low-energy falls by obese people can result in spontaneous knee dislocations, meniscal tears and other complications. Ankle fractures happen more often and are usually worse for people who are overweight as opposed to those with a healthy weight.
Obtaining accurate diagnostic imaging for obese patients can be a challenge. Many advanced imaging machines have weight limits, requiring special appointments or preventing imaging at all.
Overweight patients with a high BMI often develop arthritis at a younger age. Needing joint replacement at a younger age complicates treatment because the replacement is more likely to wear out in the patient’s lifetime.
Additionally, orthopedic surgery on obese patients often takes longer, leading to an extended period of anesthesia.
Obese patients may have multiple complications following surgeries, including joint replacement surgery. Studies have found a higher chance of blood clots, infections, chronic pain, failure of implants and dislocation after a hip replacement.
Weight loss helps reduce joint pain
If you are diagnosed with obesity, it is essential to recognize what the excessive wear and tear can do to your body. Now that you understand how obesity impacts your joints, what can you do about it? You can make positive, healthy choices to change your health.
You can lose weight to ease the pressure on your joints. Losing just 10 pounds can decrease the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee by 50 percent. It can also reduce the force placed on the knee with every step by 30 to 60 pounds.
Losing weight has been proven to substantially decrease joint pain, reduce the likelihood of weight-related tendonitis and fractures, and lessen the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
The development of osteoarthritis is related to weakness in the quadriceps muscles in the legs of obese people. The good news is that exercises focusing on increasing muscle strength can reduce arthritis pain.
Achieve a healthy weight to help joints
Weight loss is often easier said than done. However, following a weight loss program combining nutrition and physical activity can help you reach a healthy weight.
Talk with your physician about meeting with a dietician or nutrition specialist to create an eating plan that will enable you to succeed. What you eat matters just as much as how often you exercise. Choose to feed your body healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
Also, plan to be physically active for at least 30 minutes five times a week. Exercise can sometimes be difficult and painful for overweight people. The bone and joint experts at Cary Orthopaedics recommend gentle, low-impact workouts when starting a weight-loss program.
Swimming or water aerobics are also excellent exercise options for overweight people with joint pain. The water relieves pressure on the joints while also providing resistance that will strengthen your muscles.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is a Fracture?
in FracturesArticle featured on MedicalNewsToday
A bone fracture is a crack or break in a bone. Bone fractures usually result from a high force impact or stress. People with osteoporosis or bone cancer may experience a fracture with very little impact.
A fracture that results from a medical condition that weakens the bones is called a pathological fracture.
In this article, we detail the different types of bone fractures, their various causes, and the treatments available.
What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture is a full or partial break in the continuity of bone tissue. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body.
There are several different ways in which a bone can fracture. For example, a closed fracture is a break to the bone that does not damage surrounding tissue or tear through the skin.
By contrast, a compound fracture is one that damages surrounding tissue and penetrates the skin. Compound fractures are generally more serious than simple fractures due to the risk of infection.
Types
There are a number of other fracture types, including:
Symptoms
Symptoms of a fracture vary depending on its location, a person’s age and general health, and the severity of the injury.
However, people with a bone fracture will typically experience some of the following:
In more severe cases, a person may experience:
Causes
Healthy bones are extremely resilient and can withstand surprisingly powerful impacts. However, under enough force, they may crack or break.
Physical trauma, overuse, and health conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, are the leading causes of bone fractures. Other factors can also increase an individual’s risk of sustaining fractures.
A person’s bones will typically weaken with age, which increases the risk of them breaking. As a person ages, the likelihood of their developing a condition that weakens the bones is also greater.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm