We need our joints to move, and we need them to be healthy to move well and pain-free. However, as we age, healthy joints are more difficult to maintain. This unfortunate side effect of aging leads to discomfort and limited ability to move freely. Getting regular exercise is a crucial aspect of protecting your joint health. Below we discuss the importance of joint health, how exercise is key for maintaining smooth, painless movement of your joints, and when it's time to see a doctor.
At the junction of two bones, is a joint. Joints allow movement. If we didn’t have joints, we wouldn’t be walking around or bending our knees, hips, and elbows. There are several types of joints; the ones you are probably most familiar with are ball-and-socket joints at the hip and shoulder or hinge joints at the knee and elbow.
These joints allow for varying degrees of movement. Ball-and-socket joints allow far more motion than a hinge joint, which primarily bends and straightens. Joints connect bone to bone through connective tissue such as ligaments and in most cases, a cartilaginous articular capsule surrounding the joint.
Inside this capsule, your joints are bathed in synovial fluid excreted by the capsule which lubricates the joints and enables smooth movement. Synovial fluid also delivers nutrients to the joint, so it is best to move the joints daily to nourish the entire joint.
The best thing you can do to maintain joint health is to exercise regularly. Exercise, and movement in general, distribute the synovial fluid within the joint, lubricating it. As we age, the synovial fluid decreases and dries up, resulting in more friction on joints when they move. This leaves them susceptible to injury. Engaging in regular exercise helps maintain the integrity of your joints.
Low-impact workouts are a great way to keep your joints healthy. Low-impact exercise has the benefit of moving the joints and distributing synovial fluid keeping them flexible, lubricated, and nourished. And they’re wonderful for individuals starting a new exercise program or existing joint issues. Cycling, walking, and swimming are good, low-impact workouts for joint pain. They promote flexibility and strength without causing additional strain on your joints.
You may do everything “right” to keep your joints happy and healthy, but injuries still occur. And some people will develop chronic joint pain as they age without a known reason. If you can relate, it's best to seek professional care from an orthopedist like Dr. Burke. He specializes in the care of your joints and emphasizes the importance of early detection to prevent joint damage from worsening.
If you have been experiencing joint pain for some time, particularly if it worsens with activity, a thorough evaluation by a professional is in order. While low-impact workouts can often help joint pain, they might not address underlying issues that require medical attention. Dr. Burke can identify the root cause of the problem and recommend treatment accordingly.
For inquiries, please call us at (713) 436-3488, or visit our website at https://drburkeortho.com/contact-us/ to send us an email.
Knee pain is common, and it arises from a myriad of reasons. One of those reasons is a loose body within the knee joint. The many causes of knee pain are why it is essential to get a differential diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist. Without determining the root cause of the problem, treatment will likely not be effective. Keep reading to learn how to identify a loose body in the knee and if it may be causing your pain.
A loose body in the knee is just what it sounds like. Something broke loose and is floating around in your knee. Usually, the loose body is a small fragment of bone or cartilage that has broken off. This will undoubtedly cause pain. And not just mechanical pain from the broken fragment bumping into things, taking up space, and limiting range of motion. Your body will now recognize this loose piece of bone or cartilage as a foreign object and will release chemicals to fight off the ‘invader.’
When you visit an orthopedist for your knee pain, often an X-ray or MRI will be ordered to look inside the knee. This is the only way to definitively diagnose a loose body as the cause of your pain. You may experience other symptoms beforehand that may make you suspect a loose body is behind your pain. These are:
The most common cause of a loose body in the knee is trauma or injury. This is common among athletes and other individuals who participate in high-impact sports. Engaging in these activities makes you particularly susceptible to this injury.
But you don’t have to be an elite athlete to experience knee pain caused by a loose body. Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to the formation of loose bodies. In these cases, gradual normal or abnormal wear and tear of the joint surface may cause small fragments of bone or cartilage to break off and float within the joint space. Overuse of the knee joint from work or exercise activities can also lead to loose body formation.
Lastly, infections of any kind that affect the knee joint can also lead to the development of loose bodies. An orthopedics specialist must be consulted to determine the root cause if you suspect a loose body in your knee.
Loose bodies in the knee do not go away on their own. Your body may adapt to it and the pain caused by it may lessen over time, but it will still be there. Conversely, and what is much more likely to happen if left untreated, is that the loose body will cause ongoing and persistent knee pain that worsens over time. These symptoms can significantly alter your quality of life.
Treatment options for loose bodies in the knee will be individual and depend on the size, number, and location of the fragments. The severity of your pain and other symptoms will also play a key role in determining treatment. Conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications may relieve your pain. However, if these interventions do not provide satisfactory relief, surgery may be necessary.
Arthritis is a common condition. So common in fact that everyone over the age of 50 has some degree of arthritis. Sometimes, it doesn’t cause pain or disrupt a person’s life. Other times it significantly does both things. While arthritis can affect any joint, it frequently affects the knees, leading to discomfort and difficulty with mobility issues. Where there is arthritis, there is usually cartilage damage. The MACI implant procedure was developed specifically for the treatment of cartilage damage in the knee. Understanding all the causes and symptoms of arthritis is crucial for managing and treating the condition effectively.
Besides cartilage damage, there are quite a few other causes of arthritis. There are more than 150 types of arthritis. Sometimes, the cause is not known. In other cases, the cause depends on the type of arthritis that is affecting you. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, which is a normal wear and tear of the joints and their surrounding structures. Other types are gout, caused by elevated uric acid in the blood, or an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Other times, viral infections or traumatic injuries can trigger arthritis,
The symptoms across all types will be similar, but there will be individual differences. The common symptoms are:
When arthritis is left untreated or ignored, it usually gets worse. Significant joint damage can occur from inflammation and wear and tear on the joint surfaces. This can lead to severe pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
Untreated arthritis can lead to joint deformities, making it increasingly difficult to remain active. Also, untreated arthritis can have a domino effect and lead to other orthopedic issues. For example, you may unknowingly be compensating for knee pain by alerting your gait. Then perhaps your back or hips will start hurting due to the extra stress placed on them. Hopefully, this example highlights the importance of seeking treatment promptly.
At our practice, patients with arthritis can choose from a variety of advanced treatment options. One innovative treatment offered is the MACI implant procedure. MACI stands for Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation. The MACI procedure is a particularly effective treatment option for people affected by arthritis in the knee.
The MACI procedure involves extracting healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s own knee. These cells are then specially treated and encouraged to reproduce in a laboratory. The newly grown cells are used to create a MACI implant, which is then surgically placed into the knee, covering, or replacing the area of damage. This approach addresses the root cause of knee pain when the culprit is localized cartilage damage, as it often is.
In addition to the MACI procedure, Dr. Burke Orthopedics provides a lot of more conservative, non-surgical treatment options such as referral to physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle recommendations.
When conservative treatment has been attempted and failed to relieve your discomfort, you may consider other surgical treatment besides MACI. These options range from range from arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged tissue, loose bodies, and clean up the area to total joint replacement for more severe cases. The orthopedic team at Dr. Burke Orthopedics is waiting to hear from you! Give us a call and schedule a consultation at (713) 436-3488.
Springtime makes most people feel refreshed, with a new sense of vigor after hunkering down all winter. It’s a perfect time to check in with your body and address knee pain and other joint pain that you may have been putting off. Damaged cartilage is often the culprit behind knee pain. The Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) procedure was developed specifically for the treatment of cartilage damage. Below we will discuss what MACI is, who is a candidate, and how it works.
MACI is an innovative orthopedic procedure designed to treat knee pain by repairing damaged cartilage with stem cell therapy. While traditional treatments for knee pain can be effective, they are mostly band-aid treatments that merely alleviate symptoms. MACI fixes the root cause of the problem by regenerating healthy cartilage tissue. Again, damage to your cartilage within the joint is often the culprit behind knee pain. This damage may be caused by an acute injury or a long-standing issue.
If you have been experiencing persistent knee pain, particularly if you know that it is because of cartilage damage, you may be a candidate for MACI. An appropriate candidate for MACI has tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, and steroids without achieving satisfactory relief.
There are a few criteria that you should keep in mind before considering the MACI Procedure. These are:
1. Age: MACI is proven to be safe and effective for 18- to 55-year-olds.
2. Location: Cartilage damage located in the following historically hard-to-treat areas have been efficaciously treated with MACI:
a. Lateral femoral condyle
b. Medial femoral condyle with or without bone involvement
c. Patella - often felt as kneecap pain
d. Trochlea This sample is then placed on a porcine collagen membrane and specially treated to encourage new growth.
3. Allergies: If you know that you have an allergy to antibiotics or other materials derived from pigs, you should not have the MACI Procedure.
The MACI procedure uses stem cell therapy to harness the body's natural healing and regenerative capacity to repair damaged cartilage. MACI minimizes the risk of rejection because the procedure involves utilizing the patient's own cells to assist in the process of regrowing new cartilage.
During the MACI procedure, healthy cartilage cells, (chondrocytes), are extracted from the patient's knee. These cells are then specially treated and multiplied in a laboratory, where they grow into new, fresh cartilage. Next, the new cartilage is implanted into the knee, replacing or covering the damaged cartilage.
The implanted cartilage will integrate with the surrounding tissue, which restores the smooth surface of the joint. Function, range of motion, and smoothness of movement will all be dramatically improved after this procedure.
Scheduling an Appointment with Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Take a proactive approach toward addressing your joint pain this spring. The MACI procedure offers renewed hope for those struggling who have tried many other treatments to no avail. We would love to discuss it further with you. To learn more, schedule a consultation with us by calling (713) 436-3488, individuals can.
With spring comes outdoor activities and more time spent outdoors in general. But when you have knee pain, the activities that you choose to engage in must not involve more force on the joints than they can handle. The good news is that there are plenty of springtime activities that are orthopedic-friendly, gentle on your knees, and less likely to exacerbate existing joint pain. Below we discuss three of these activities along with tips to go a step further by suggesting ways to make them even safer for your knees.
Gardening
Gardening is wonderful for both physical and mental health. It allows you to connect with the earth and ground, all the while creating aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. But the repetitive kneeling, bending, and lifting associated with gardening places extra stress on the joints, causing knee pain or exacerbating discomfort that is already there.
The number one tip for making gardening a safer activity for your knees and overall body is to practice good posture and body mechanics. Using knee pads and/or a gardening stool will reduce the pressure from prolonged kneeling. When bending, hinge from the hips rather than rounding the back. When lifting, squat down and hold the object close to your body while keeping your back straight. Maintaining a straight back will protect the spine and minimize strain on the knees.
Also, wearing compression gear can provide support to the knees and improve circulation. Compression socks are great for gardening and can help reduce swelling and inflammation. These allow pain-free gardening with greater comfort and mobility.
Swimming
Swimming is an all-around great low-impact exercise that provides a full-body workout. And it does this without placing undue stress on the knees. Swimming can look very different for everyone, from laps in the pool to leisurely swims in a lake. Whatever type of swimming you prefer, this activity helps to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility.
To optimize the benefits of swimming while focusing on joint health, maintaining proper form and technique is critical. Try your best to keep a straight line from your head to your toes. This involves maintaining your head in line with your spine, and your legs straight and streamlined. This general tip will reduce drag and reduce stress on the joints.
Cycling
Want another great low-impact activity that is highly recommended in the world of orthopedics? Enter cycling. You can enjoy it solo or with family and friends. You can do it indoors or outdoors. Sitting or standing. You can make it as intense as you want, or you may prefer leisurely rides through scenic trails. Cycling is an incredibly versatile activity that has numerous health benefits and does place excessive strain on the knees.
Paying close attention to your bike setup is critical for maintaining proper body mechanics and posture. Most importantly, make sure that your bike is properly fitted to your height. A good rule of thumb is when pedaling with your heels, set your saddle at a height where your legs are fully straightened when the pedal is in its lowest position.
Also, you may want to consider wearing compression gear such as cycling shorts or knee sleeves. These provide support to the knees, improve circulation, and keep your legs feeling comfortable throughout your ride.
Spring is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors. Choosing low-impact activities like gardening, swimming, and cycling is best for preventing joint pain. Prioritizing good posture and wearing compression gear can make these activities even more knee-friendly. But there may come a time when you have taken all the precautions and lo and behold, you’re dealing with knee pain anyway and you’re not sure why. When this happens, it warrants a visit to an orthopedic surgeon. You may have cartilage damage in your knee from an acute or old injury. This may make you a candidate for our revolutionary stem cell therapy for the treatment of knee pain, the MACI Procedure.
Give us a call at (713) 436-3488 to learn more.
Persistent knee pain is both physically and emotionally taxing. However, recent advancements in orthopedics mean there are now several effective treatment options for managing this joint pain. You may have ended up on this page because you are an athlete, an exercise lover, or an individual simply looking to enjoy life without knee pain. Read on to explore these top solutions that can offer relief from pain and improve your quality of life.
Lifestyle Changes
Specific lifestyle adjustments can have significant impacts on managing persistent knee pain. These are:
1. Maintaining a healthy weight. This is crucial, as excess pounds place added stress on the knee joint which can exacerbate pain and inflammation.
2. Incorporating low-impact exercises. This includes activities such as swimming or cycling which help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint without placing excess strain on it.
3. Adopting proper posture and body mechanics. This is a vital element to pay attention to during all daily activities to reduce the risk of aggravating knee pain.
4. Avoiding activities that involve repetitive bending or kneeling. Being mindful of using the body in different ways can also alleviate discomfort. This is beneficial so that one group of muscles and other body structures do not repeatedly take the brunt of stress throughout the day which can lead to overuse injuries.
5. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. Fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids all help reduce inflammation and promote overall joint health.
These recommendations are probably nothing new to you. But it’s always worth repeating them because of the major impact they can have on your knee pain. Taking a proactive approach will help make you feel empowered and like you have some control of your pain, rather than it controlling you.
Regular Orthopedic Checkups
Regular checkups allow for comprehensive evaluations of the knee joint's health and function. Doing this enables early detection and intervention for any underlying orthopedic issues, along with the possible prevention of anything serious progressing.
During these checkups, your orthopedic specialist may order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs. The purpose of these is to assess any joint damage and formulate an appropriate treatment plan if needed. They can also provide tailored recommendations for managing your knee pain, including exercise programs, physical therapy, or other orthopedic interventions such as the MACI Procedure, a stem cell therapy.
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a form of regenerative medicine that is a promising treatment option for persistent knee pain. PRP is produced from your own blood. It contains and contains a concentrated mixture of platelets, growth factors, and other proteins that promote tissue repair and regeneration. This concentration is injected into an injured or diseased body part to accelerate the healing.
When injected into the knee, PRP stimulates the body's natural healing processes. This is the crux of regenerative medicine and can lead to dramatic improvements in knee pain and function.
PRP injections may not be suitable for everyone, but for those that are, they offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
The MACI Procedure
For individuals with more severe knee pain or significant cartilage damage, the MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure may be recommended. This is a stem cell therapy that involves extracting healthy cartilage cells from the patient's knee body. These cartilaginous stem cells are then grown and multiplied in a laboratory before being implanted back into the knee over or in place of the damaged area.
This innovative orthopedic procedure promotes the growth of healthy cartilage, addressing the underlying cause of knee pain. Recovery from MACI may take several months, but many individuals find the experience shorter and less painful than other surgeries.
These days, you may see a lot more people outside jogging than ever before. More people are embracing running for both physical and mental fitness. A regular running routine is fantastic, but it is vital to ensure that it is performed safely, especially for those prone to joint pain. So, let’s take a moment to go over what our specialists in orthopedics recommend as three key components for safe running practices and the prevention of injury.
Knee Taping/Compression Gear
A very effective way you can provide support for your knees when running is using knee taping or compression gear. These provide stability to the knee joint, which reduces the risk of injury. Dr. Burke recommends incorporating knee taping or wearing compression sleeves into your running routine if you experience knee pain or have undergone knee-specific orthopedic procedures like MACI or stem cell therapy.
Knee taping stabilizes the kneecap and allows surrounding structures to work more efficiently by providing feedback to muscles and encouraging them to contract and move in the precise direction. Taping also helps to enhance your body's awareness of joint positioning and movement. Compression gear provides stability to the knee joint as well, and also promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling. This aids in recovery after exercise.
If you are a runner with a history of knee pain, investing in high-quality compression gear or consulting with a physical therapist for proper taping techniques can make a world of difference in reducing joint pain both during running and after.
Orthopedic Friendly Shoes
Choosing proper footwear is key for runners. There is a reason that shoe stores exist that are specifically geared towards runners. Orthopedic-friendly shoes provide support and cushioning tailored to your individual needs. This reduces the impact on the knees and other structures in the lower extremities and throughout the whole body during each stride.
You should always prioritize comfort, fit, and support when selecting running shoes. Doing so will mitigate the risk of exacerbating existing knee pain or causing another pain to arise. Also, consider models with features such as arch support and motion control to promote proper alignment that is custom to the needs of your feet. All of this will reduce stress on the knees. Regularly replacing worn-out shoes is essential to make sure that your knees have continued support and injury prevention. A good rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles.
Run on an even surface
The surface you run on greatly impacts how much stress your knees and joints absorb. Choosing an even terrain helps distribute the pounding forces from running more evenly throughout your lower extremities and reduces the strain on your knees.
Whenever possible, try choosing softer, well-maintained surfaces like grass, rubber tracks, or designated running paths. Also, incorporating cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine can provide a welcome break for your knees from the repetitive stress of running while still maintaining cardiovascular fitness and supporting overall joint health.
Knee pain is a challenging issue. Fixing it doesn’t have to be. Joint pain in the knee often stems from damaged cartilage. Traditional treatments for knee pain often fall short, and innovative procedures like MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) offer renewed hope for individuals who have tried other, more conventional knee pain treatments that have failed to relieve discomfort. In this article, we explore the world of MACI; its purpose, target audience, and the surgical and recovery process. We will also discuss how you can determine if you qualify for this revolutionary procedure.
What is MACI?
MACI is a groundbreaking procedure in the realm of orthopedics with the sole purpose of addressing knee pain that arises from damaged cartilage. It is stem cell therapy that involves using the patient’s own cells to regenerate and repair damaged cartilage in the knee.
Specialized cells responsible for cartilage production, called chondrocytes, are extracted from your knee. These stem cells are then cultivated in a laboratory, grown on a specialized matrix, and then implanted back into the knee, covering, or replacing the area of damage.
The advantage of MACI is that this procedure focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem and restoring the natural structure and function of the cartilage. This offers a more long-term solution for people suffering from chronic knee pain. This procedure harnesses the body’s regenerative capabilities, which is the secret sauce for long-term pain relief.
Who is MACI Intended For?
MACI is designed specifically for individuals experiencing knee pain due to cartilage damage. Conditions like osteochondritis dissecans, focal chondral defects, and other cartilage injuries that have not responded to other, more conservative treatments are perfect candidates for MACI.
Orthopedics specialists assess a patient’s suitability for MACI whether a patient is a suitable candidate for MACI based on the size, location, and nature of the cartilage damage. Age is also a determinant as this procedure has not yet been proven effective for those outside the age range of 18-55 years old.
What is the Surgery & Recovery Process Going to Look Like?
The MACI Procedure is performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic surgeries are less invasive and promote a quicker recovery. The damaged cartilage is removed completely or significantly cleaned up. Next, the MACI implant is precisely placed over or in place of the damaged cartilage. Your MACI implant will resorb onto your knee joint and provide fresh new cartilaginous protection.
The recovery process after surgery involves a gradual return to normal activities. Physical therapy plays a crucial role, aiding in returning your knee joint to optimal strength, range of motion, and function. Patients are advised to follow a customized rehabilitation plan. If you know that you will be unable to adhere to a specific rehabilitation plan, you may not be a candidate for MACI at this time.
Reaching Out to Dr. Burke. Orthopedics to See If You Qualify
Dr. Burke is a renowned orthopedic surgeon who can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine if MACI is the right fit for you.
Dr. Burke will assess your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order additional diagnostic tests such as imaging techniques like MRI or X-rays to evaluate the extent of cartilage damage.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, schedule a consultation with us by calling (713) 436-3488.
Neglecting joint pain can lead to significant issues. What seems like a nagging annoying annoyance has the potential to progress into something sinister if not addressed. Our joints have critical functions that support movement and provide stability every single day of your life. They should never be taken for granted. Keep reading for tips to keep your joints happy. The more you give them love, the more they will love and support you back.
Low-Impact Workouts/Stretches
When we say ‘low impact’ we mean it. 5 push-ups every day is better than nothing. 5 min of walking every day is better than nothing. The key is consistency, rather than intensity. Many people become overwhelmed when thinking about starting an exercise regimen. Don’t let this happen to you. Start with just five minutes every day. That’s it. Eventually, you may want to extend that walk to 10 or 20 minutes.
Low-impact workouts and stretches are more effective in managing joint pain than high-impact exercises. High-impact activities often cause undue stress on your joints, leading to knee pain or discomfort in other joints. Consider incorporating exercises and stretching activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga into your daily life. Remember, start small for a short duration of time.
Prevention of issues is key when it comes to joint health. Daily, low-impact workouts and stretches help maintain joint flexibility and improve overall fitness which reduces the risk of developing joint-related issues over time.
Diet
We all know in 2024 that what you eat has a crucial impact on your overall health, which very much includes your joints! Eating foods that are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce knee pain and stiffness. These are found in fish like salmon and sardines, flax and chia seeds, walnuts, and more.
Antioxidant foods are ridiculously good for your body as well. Berries, broccoli, and spinach are rich in antioxidants. They also help to decrease inflammation in the body. help combat inflammation in the body.
Also, consider adding foods rich in collagen to your diet. Collagen is a vital component of joint cartilage and is found in collagen-rich foods like bone broth, organ meats, and sardines.
As always, don’t forget about hydration. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining the lubrication of joints, preventing friction and discomfort.
Regular Orthopedic Screenings
Remember before when we said prevention is key? Every time, prevention trumps treating joint pain once it has already developed. Regular orthopedic screenings are a proactive approach to joint care.
Orthopedics should not only be thought of as a branch of medicine to seek out when you are having a problem with your musculoskeletal system. Scheduling routine check-ups with an orthopedic specialist can help detect and address potential joint issues before they become serious.
Orthopedic specialists evaluate your joints for stability, range of motion, and signs of wear and tear. If anything is found that is a cause for concern, they can recommend appropriate measures to be taken so the issue doesn’t progress into something serious. These recommendations include lifestyle changes, diet improvements, or physical therapy.
For those dealing with more severe joint issues, advanced treatments like MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) stem cell therapy is quickly becoming a much sought-after treatment for knee pain. This innovative procedure involves the repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage in the knee, offering hope for individuals who have tried other treatments unsuccessfully.
For most people, this time of the year is filled with festivities and celebrations. But for some people, it can mean increased joint pain, particularly knee pain, because of the change in weather. Read on for suggestions on how to set up for the holidays in the most pain-free way possible.
Maintain Good Posture
You may not think so, but the posture of your spine when sitting and standing can have a huge impact on your other joints near and far away. Maintaining proper posture is critical for alleviating stress on your joints which can lead to pain.
Sitting with good posture (which means no slouching) and distributing your bodyweight as evenly as possible can have a significant positive impact on dispensing equal stress on all joints. This helps to reduce joint pain so that one joint does not bear the brunt of the work to stabilize and move your body. Uneven stress on joints is usually the cause of knee pain and other injuries.
Orthopedic supports such as ergonomic cushions and chairs support your spine and hips which can ensure that your joints are well-aligned.
Wear Orthopedic Shoes
Knee pain, ankle pain, and all other joint pain can be dramatically improved by changing footwear. Again, the use of orthopedic shoes and inserts have the aim of equally distributing your bodyweight. Or they may be custom-made to have more support where you need it more and less support where it is not needed as much.
Your shoes should have adequate arch support, be roomy in the toes, and have the amount of cushioning that you find comfortable. Orthopedic shoes and inserts can provide relief from joint pain and help improve posture.
Utilize Ladders, Step Stools, and Other Aids
If you can’t reach something, don’t strain and try to reach beyond your capability. This could lead to falling and causing serious injury. Utilizing step ladders, grabbers, and step stools can be very helpful when needing to reach high places or nooks and crannies that are hard to get to.
When using ladders and step stools, make sure that they are stabilized before climbing on them. It is helpful to have someone else there with you to help.
Explore a Change in Festive Setups
Maybe you need to consider a change in decorations and other festive setups. If you are having joint pain, some decorations, such as stringing lights, may be off-limits for you, and that’s OK. Pivoting to more joint-friendly setups can help with a holiday experience with minimal pain.
Explore homemade decorations that are fun to make and that you’re proud to display that don’t require reaching to high or far places.
Ask for Help
If you are having knee pain or some other joint pain that does not go away after several days of reduced activity and rest, it’s time to ask for help. And what a great time of year to ask for that help! Most people are in a very giving and helping spirit this time of year. Ask a friend or family member to lift that heavy object or reach a high shelf. Being open and honest about needing help with some things will make you and everyone around you more comfortable.
When you have joint pain that needs help beyond reaching a high shelf or stringing lights, you may need to see your orthopedic doctor. We provide that help here at Dr. Burke Orthopedics in a friendly, empathetic manner. When it comes to knee pain specifically, we offer the latest innovation in stem cell therapy called the MACI Procedure. It is a game changer in orthopedics and treating knee pain. Give us a call about it at (713) 436-3488 to discuss your options and have a very happy holiday season!
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