Joint Replacement

Body Weight and Joint Pain

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Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for so many countless reasons. Living a long life is a priority, of course, but living a life of quality where you can move freely as you’d like is equally important.  That’s why it’s important to discuss the impact of body weight on your joints, but first, let’s talk about BMI.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Part of staying vital is maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). Studies show that BMI has great implications on joint health, but what is BMI? 

BMI is a calculation of your height and weight. BMI does not diagnosis the health of a person, but will identify categories that increase the risk of health issues. Below is a table of BMI weight status categories and you can use this tool to calculate yours: link to BMI calculator.

BMIWeight Status
Under 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Healthy Weight
25.0 – 29.9Overweight
30.0 and AboveObesity

The Impact of Obesity on Joints

When BMI is in the obesity weight status category, it is more common to see the following associated joint issues.

Pressure on Knees and Hips

When you think about the function of our load-bearing joints (our knees and hips), you realize the actual load they bear when lifting or moving our bodies. In fact, for every 10 pounds of extra weight you carry, your joints take on 30 to 40 pounds of force. Managing a healthy weight and BMI removes this unnecessary additional stress on your knees and hips.

Inflammation and Osteoarthritis

Obesity results in chronic inflammation in the body and constant inflammation makes the body more susceptible to osteoarthritis – even in non-load bearing joints like the wrist. This is when the smooth cartilage protecting the joint has worn away, causing pain and stiffness. As the wear on the joint continues, bone rubs on bone creating the need for medical intervention, either by non-surgical or surgical methods.

Increased Risks of Surgery

Not only does obesity increase the risk of osteoarthritis, the progression of the disease is faster than those with healthy BMI’s. Thus the need for surgical solutions is greater. There is a greater risk for complications from surgery for patients with BMI’s over 30 than those in a healthy range. Your surgeon will always discuss your particular risks and expected outcomes during any pre-surgical consultations.

Prevention

Helping our patients stay active is our mission at NEOSM, and we love to help provide preventative tips to keep you mobile. By maintaining a healthy BMI, the issues above can be better avoided. To do so, consistently eating a diet full of nutrient-rich fruit, vegetables and lean proteins is a priority. It is also important to live an active lifestyle, whatever that may mean to you. It can be a walk around the block each day or a tennis match with a friend. The more you move the more you build upon your overall health.

And as always, the specialists at NEOSM are here to guide you however you need. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to call one of our nine offices most convenient to you.

Watch Now: Rotator Cuff Injuries & Treatment

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NEOSM’s Dr. Jason Fond sat down with Nyack Hospital to talk Rotator Cuff injuries and treatment. Check out the video for his expert presentation.

Click on the video below to watch the presentation.

To schedule a consultation with the experts at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, give a call to one of our conveniently located offices.

Preparing Your Home for Knee Replacement

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Knee replacement surgery can really be life-changing. Eventually, majority of patients are able to resume daily activities with considerable less pain and discomfort. Before and immediately after surgery, it’s important to follow your physician’s instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary setbacks. One key direction from our surgeons is to create a home environment focused around healing and recovery before your scheduled procedure to help set you up for success. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends you consider the following to prepare your home for your return.

Arrange for help at home from a family member, friend or caregiver for days or weeks after surgery.

Clear or arrange furniture so you can easily make your way with a cane, walker or crutches.

Plan for avoiding stairs. Consider moving your sleeping quarters downstairs, if you are able.

Remove any tripping hazards. Throw rugs or area rugs, electrical cords and clutter, for example, can be dangerous during recovery.

Make sure you have a good chair with a high seat and a footstool for elevation.

Have a shower chair and gripping bar set up in the bathroom.

Set up a “recovery center” – an area where everything you need most often are at your fingertips, like a table by your chair with your medications, tissues, water pitcher, phone, etc.

These simple planning steps not only provide a safe environment for your recovery, but they also grant you a huge amount of peace-of-mind, which you’ll appreciate once you are discharged.

If you have any questions about these tips, or knee replacement surgery in general, give us a call, the specialist at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine would be happy to provide answers.

Shoulder Pain? All About Shoulder Osteoarthritis Treatment

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NEOSM’s Dr. Jason Fond presents everything you need to know about the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis in a sit down with Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Click on the video below to watch the presentation.

If you are suffering shoulder pain, the specialist at Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are here to help. Reach out for a consultation today.

Robotic Knee Replacement: Everything you need to know

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NEOSM’s Dr. Jordan Simon recently sat down with Montefiore Nyack Hospital to share all you need to know about robotic knee replacement surgery. This advancement in medical technology helps guide skilled surgeons to ensure positive patient outcomes.

Click on the video below to watch the presentation.

At Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our physicians are leaders in their fields and continually apply the latest technological advances in medicine to their care. To find out more, contact us today.

Dr. Simon Talks Hip Replacement for USA TODAY

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NEOSM’s own Dr. Jordan Simon shares with USA TODAY everything you need to know about Hip Replacement Surgery, as director of The Joint Replacement Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Click Here to Read the Article in USA TODAY.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hip pain, feel free to call our offices for a consultation with one of our skilled joint replacement specialists like Dr. Simon.

The Lowdown On Total Knee Replacement Surgery: What Patients Need to Know

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Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is a procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. Known to be the most common joint replacement surgery, a TKR is designed to improve the function of the knee.

TKRs alleviate arthritic pain typically resulting from:

  • Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of the cartilage that covers the end of the bone in a joint
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: A form of osteoarthritis that develops following injury to the joint, such as a ligament tear or a fracture
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder in which the immune system attacks the joints in the body

When Is Total Knee Replacement Necessary?

A TKR is the last option for arthritic patients after all other conservative treatment modalities have failed. These could include:

  • Exercise to improve movement of the knee
  • Injections to manage pain
  • Weight loss to reduce stress on the knee
  • Medications to manage inflammation and pain

What Should Be Expected Prior to Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Prior to a TKR, there are many steps that need to be taken by both surgeon and patient to ensure the greatest possible success during and after surgery. These steps include:

  • Getting all secondary or underlying conditions (through means of medication or lifestyle change) under control
  • Understanding why the arthritis has formed, especially with types of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid
  • Participating in prehabilitation, if applicable. (Prehabilitation is a form of strength training prior to surgery that helps prevent injury after surgery)
  • Maintaining proper dental hygiene. Patients with poor dentition have a higher risk of infection in their mouths, which can potentially spread to other parts of the body
  • Taking a pre-operative course, depending on the hospital. The course–which includes handouts for reference—helps patients fully understand what to expect. It is typically done concurrently with pre-operative testing. It will include tips, such as:
  • No eating or drinking the night before
  • Stop smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Wash with special soap the night before surgery to help avoid infection

What Should Be Expected Following a Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Though it will be fully explained in the pre-operative course, there are certain things patients can expect during their hospital stay (which is typically one to three nights).

Initial 24 Hours

  • For the first 24 hours, patients will take an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection
  • Within hours after surgery, patients should expect to physically move around
  • Within 24 hours after placement, a urinary catheter will be removed (if inserted)

Course of Hospital Stay

  • Patients will receive education about incisions and dressings. In doing so, patients and caretakers may learn how to properly clear and maintain the surgical site while it heals
  • The hospital staff (including the surgeon) will do everything in their power to effectively manage pain

Once patients are discharged, they can anticipate certain expectations during their long-term recovery.

First Four to Six Weeks

  • No driving following the surgery
  • Depending upon individual stability, moving away from an assisted device (e.g., crutches, walker)

First Three Months

  • Supervised therapy following surgery
  • Avoid high-impact activities, such as running, jumping or contact sports. Though the knee is artificial, it does not mean that it can sustain long-term heavy use

Important note: Patients must be actively engaged in their recovery. Without that commitment, the rate of healing can decrease drastically due to improper care.

We Are the Joint Specialists

At Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NEOSM), our team of orthopedic physicians specializes in all aspects of joint care, including comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of knee conditions. As a practice, we are committed to utilizing the latest advancements to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care possible.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today.