It’s often referred to as “runner’s knee,” since it’s a condition that athletes who participate in certain sports may develop. However, patellofemoral knee pain can also affect individuals who’ve never laced up a pair of running shoes. Here, we’ll discuss the characteristics of patellofemoral knee pain, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and what can be done about it. What is patellofemoral knee pain? Characterized by pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap—aka the patella—this condition occurs more often than you may think. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians ..read more

As the years add up, so can the aches and pains that we feel in our joints. The wear and tear of various physical activities over the years and the normal changes of aging can both contribute to joint issues. The good news is that there are certain steps you can take to better care for your joints. A Common Problem According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) that was conducted in 2012, nearly  55 percent of Americans over the age of 18 were affected by bone and joint conditions like back pain and arthritis. Since both life expectancy and contributing risk factors are both on ..read more

“Stand up straight.”  Most of us have heard those three words at some point in our lives, and it turns out that whoever said them had our best interests at heart. Maintaining good posture has many health benefits, since poor posture can create a ripple effect of preventable ailments. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the definition of posture, factors that affect it, the impact that poor posture can have on the natural movement of the hip, and tips for improvement. What is posture? Posture is how we hold our bodies both when we are active and when we are at rest. The former is referred to ..read more

Did you know that bone and joint issues can affect your sleep? The impact of poor sleep on health Quality sleep is an essential component of good health for a variety of reasons. Adequate sleep is necessary to:  Fight infection Prevent diabetes Perform well in school and on the job Work and function in a safe manner The timing and duration of sleep affect a number of endocrine, metabolic, and neurological functions that are essential for optimal health. That’s why untreated sleep disorders and chronic lack of quality sleep are associated with an increased risk of: Heart disease High bl ..read more

Whether due to time constraints or simply not thinking it’s necessary, stretching is often overlooked as an important element of both a workout and of everyday life. But the truth is there are immense benefits from stretching for your mind and body. Stretching is key to improving both your posture and flexibility. It can restore balance to the body and reduce your chances of sustaining pain and injuries, whether or not its due to exercise. Stretching can increase circulation and blood flow, release muscle tension, and give you more energy. Most know that stretching is key to keeping muscles in ..read more

In our busy times, it’s important to find a way to reduce stress. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall health in a number of ways—and it can affect a person’s joint health, too. The good news is there are steps you can take in the coming year to deal with the things that stress you out—and improve your health while you do.  How stress affects overall health Everyone experiences stress of some sort, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. When it’s negative, the distress that occurs can result in an array of physical problems and symptoms including: Headaches High blood ..read more

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t continue exercising. The snow may present some challenges to your normal regimen, but there are several alternative workouts you can try to keep you moving in the winter. Cross-country skiing is a great workout, exercising all of your major muscle groups. This aerobic activity is still gentle on the joints, and you can do it at any pace. Added bonus: a 160-pound adult can burn more than 650 in an hour while cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is even simpler than cross-country skiing as it requires nothing more than basic walking skills. It ..read more

Hip and knee implants are far superior than those of even 10 years ago. New materials translate to longer artificial joint life which, in theory, opens the door to earlier replacements. What’s more, minimally-invasive, anterior approach hip replacements and the 3D precision of Mako® robot assisted knee replacements are yielding excellent patient outcomes. Patients experience less post-operative pain, shorter if any hospital stay, and a faster return to greater mobility.  As a result, patients are often inquiring about joint replacements much earlier in life. Osteoarthritis, the common art ..read more

“Stand up straight.”  Most of us have heard those three words at some point in our lives, and it turns out that whoever said them had our best interests at heart. Maintaining good posture has many health benefits, since poor posture can create a ripple effect of preventable ailments. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the definition of posture, factors that affect it, the impact that poor posture can have on the natural movement of the hip, and tips for improvement. What is posture? Posture is how we hold our bodies both when we are active and when we are at rest. The former is referred to ..read more

A work week can have negative effects on your posture, flexibility, and joint pain, especially if you’re not remembering to move during the day. Sitting for a long period of time without much movement can cause the breakdown of tissue and result in severe joint and back pain. Even if you exercise regularly after a long day at the office, it still won’t prevent the health risks that come with sitting for a long period of time. However, there are ways to prevent health risks from sitting so long. Try using a fitness tracker or pedometer to keep track of how often you’re moving during t ..read more