Strengthening Our Foundation: Your Guide to Bone and Joint Health
October 4, 2024
As autumn settles in and October unfolds, we’re not just welcoming cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. This month also marks Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, an important time to focus on the intricate system that supports our every move and allows us to lead active, fulfilling lives.
According to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative, musculoskeletal conditions affect more than one in two adults in the United States. That means over 50% of the population is grappling with issues that can significantly impact their quality of life, ability to work and enjoyment of daily activities.
Symptoms of bone and joint issues
- Pain that persists for more than a few weeks
- Swelling or redness around a joint
- Difficulty performing everyday activities due to pain or stiffness
- Decreased range of motion in a joint
- Unexplained weight loss or fever along with joint pain
Nurturing healthy bones and joints
While being aware of potential issues is crucial, there are also proactive steps you can take to nurture and maintain healthy bones and joints throughout your life. Maintaining the health of our bones and joints is not just about preventing pain or disability; it’s about ensuring we can continue to engage in the activities we love and maintain our independence.
With a staff of experts in the most innovative techniques that lead to better outcomes and faster recovery times, the team at Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC), Davenport, is here with some helpful tips to keep your skeletal system in top shape:
- Stay active: Regular exercise is crucial for bone and joint health. Weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging or dancing help strengthen bones, while resistance training builds supportive muscles. Low-impact exercises such as swimming and cycling also are excellent for joint health.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutrition plays a vital role in bone and joint health. Ensure your diet includes enough calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce pressure on these joints.
- Practice good posture: Proper alignment reduces wear and tear on joints and the spine. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing and lifting objects.
- Stay hydrated: Water helps lubricate joints and keeps cartilage healthy. Aim to drink at least eight glasses or 64 ounces of water a day.
Expert care close to home
Despite our best efforts, sometimes bone and joint issues persist or worsen. If you’re experiencing issues like chronic pain or stiffness, swelling or redness around a joint or decreased range of motion in a joint, it might be time to turn to the professionals.
When bone and joint issues require professional intervention, many Quad Citians turn to the experts at Orthopaedic Specialists in Davenport and Clinton. For years, Orthopaedic Specialists has served as an innovator in orthopaedic care. The center treats injuries to the wrist, hand or shoulder, possible broken bones, sprained knees, swollen joints and more.
In some cases, surgery may be required to address the issue. For many in the Quad Cities, an outpatient surgery center like Mississippi Valley Surgery Center can be the right fit. As the state’s first AAAHC Advanced Orthopaedic Certified surgery center, MVSC offers minimally invasive/rapid recovery surgeries including same-day total joint replacements – all of which are effective alternatives to large, open procedures.
As the area’s only outpatient surgery center performing total shoulder, hip, knee and ankle replacements, MVSC’s fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons also perform more than 800 total joint replacements each year. With a personalized and convenient experience for patients and family members alike, MVSC provides predictable scheduling and same-day discharge, allowing patients to recover comfortably at home.
Specialists include:
- Kristyn Darmafall: hip, knee, shoulder and sports medicine procedures
- Michal Dolphin: back, neck and spine procedures
- Tuvi Mendel: knee and ankle joint replacement; foot, knee, shoulder and sports medicine procedures
- Craig Moe: complex hip and knee joint replacement and revision procedures
- Brian McGowan: primary and revision hip and knee replacements
- Ericka Lawler: hand and upper extremity procedures
Taking action for your health
Remember, caring for your bones and joints isn’t just about addressing problems when they arise. It’s about maintaining your health and mobility for years to come. Whether you’re looking to stay active, manage a chronic condition or recover from an injury, the teams at Orthopaedic Specialists and Mississippi Valley Surgery Center are here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t let pain or limitations hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take charge of your health this October and beyond.