Most people are able to perform daily activities more easily after joint replacement surgery. They enjoy an improved quality of life that includes less pain, and improved motion and strength that would not have been possible otherwise. “The best reason to have a joint replacement is for pain relief. During a joint replacement, the […]
A joint is where the ends of two bones meet. The bones are lined with articular cartilage to cushion the joint where the bones intersect. Damage to the cartilage from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition may cause your bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and joint dysfunction. DOC’s orthopedic teams have […]
Joint replacement surgery, knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle, can be a significant step toward a more active, pain-free lifestyle. However, since you are replacing a joint in your body, it is easy to be overwhelmed and forget to ask important questions about the surgery, recovery time, and future expectations. 1. Are there alternatives to […]
Several conditions can cause joint pain and disability and lead you to consider joint replacement surgery. Joint pain is caused by damage to the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones either from arthritis, a fracture, or another condition. There are several reasons why your DOC orthopedic surgeon may recommend joint replacement surgery. […]
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure in which parts of your arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic device, a prosthesis. The prosthesis replicates the movement of a normal, healthy joint. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be […]
Total wrist replacement surgery, wrist arthroplasty, may be an option if you suffer with painful rheumatoid, traumatic or osteoarthritis that does not respond to conservative treatments. The operation can reduce or even eliminate the pain and provide improved mobility. The wrist is a more complicated joint than the hip or the knee. There are […]
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints and is common in the ankle joint. The major types of arthritis that affect the ankle are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. All types can cause pain and stiffness in the ankle joint and make it difficult to walk and participate in activities you […]
Do you or your grandmother predict bad weather because of stiff, painful knees? Many doctors agree that you may feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. Barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and precipitation are factors that can affect the joints. Determining the actual causative factor for joint pain is tricky. Research on weather-related joint pain […]
Migratory arthritis is characterized by pain and swelling in one or two joints. As the symptoms in that joint resolve, similar symptoms in another joint emerge, usually in an asymmetric location. So if your left shoulder is in pain and it subsides and the right shoulder becomes painful, you may have migratory arthritis. It migrates […]
Many people take dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to ease arthritis pain and promote joint health. Current research shows that these supplements have limited benefits for people with arthritis and joint pain. Glucosamine is a component of your healthy cartilage, especially around joints. Glucosamine for supplements is harvested from shells of shellfish or made […]
Twenty-eighteen was a banner year for marijuana legalization in North America. Thirty-three states have legalized medical marijuana, including cannabidiol oil, CBD, for medicinal purposes. Ten states and Washington, DC, have legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults over 21. In October, Canada legalized marijuana federally, becoming the first G7 country to do so. Marijuana prohibition began […]
Tai chi is a traditional Chinese health-promoting exercise, integrating the mind, body and spirit through controlled movements and breathing, “creating a harmonious balance between the inner and outer self.” Numerous studies1 indicate that tai chi improves muscular strength and flexibility, relieves pain, and improves quality of life. Muscle strength supports and protects joints from […]
Guests with advanced osteoarthritis of the hip may be candidates for hip resurfacing or hip replacement if all non-surgical options have failed. Surgery should be discussed with the DOC orthopedic surgeon if the hip causes severe pain, negatively affects quality of life and interferes with normal activities. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The […]
You can protect yourself from hip fractures by eating a diet that includes calcium and Vitamin D, creating a safe home environment and regularly participating in a program of moderate exercise. Most hip fractures are caused by weak bone and the impact from a fall. Hip fractures are breaks in the thighbone (femur) just below […]
The Drug Enforcement Administration through the Drug Disposal Act safely collects and disposes of pharmaceutical controlled substances. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, April 27, 10 am to 2 pm, is a safe, convenient, responsible way to dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs. Visit DEA’s official website, under Collection Site Near You for information in […]
