Doctor offers New Year’s resolutions
Source: NorthFulton.com
December 27, 2007
As baby boomers make their resolutions for the New Year, they should strongly consider some
simple lifestyle changes that—besides being healthier for them—may also keep the pain of
arthritis away.
Dr. Peter J. Symbas, orthopaedic surgeon with Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, says
osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people and more
common among older women.
“Osteoarthritis affects mostly the cartilage, which allows bones to glide easily over each other in a
joint,” said Symbas. “When cartilage breaks down and wears away, the bones can rub together.”
As a result, he said, the joint can lose its shape, bone spurs can be created and bits of bone and
cartilage can break off and float in the joint space. This causes pain, swelling and loss of motion
of the joint, the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis often appears in the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees and hips.
It also tends to affect each person differently, says Symbas.
“In some people, the progression is slow and non-debilitating. In others, the symptoms can be
more serious,” he said. “We don’t know what causes osteoarthritis, but we suspect being
overweight, aging, previous joint injury and other stresses on the joints all contribute.”
To that end, he said, there are a number of simple things anyone can resolve to do in 2008 to
help keep joints healthy and this disease at bay:
- Exercise. Symbas says research shows that exercise can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, strengthen the heart, improve blood flow, maintain weight and promote general physical fitness. “It doesn’t have to be strenuous—just get moving,” he said, suggesting a cross-training program that includes a variety of exercises and light weight training.
- Avoid repetitive strain on muscles and joints. If you notice chronic aches and strains from your work, hobbies or recreation, those can be signs of repetitive strain. Repetitive strain leads to micro trauma in joints, a factor contributing to arthritis in future years.
- Eat well. While no diet can prevent arthritis, said Symbas, eating right and controlling your weight will minimize stress on the weight-bearing joints of the knees and feet and minimize the impact of other health problems. Eat whole foods whenever possible and limit the refined, packaged foods.
- Drink lots of water. “Cartilage is 70 percent water and its lubrication and shock-absorbing ability depends on its replenishment,” said Symbas. “Don’t rely on soda, coffee or tea, either, since they contain ingredients that may block the absorption of water or eliminate fluids from the body.”
- See your doctor if you experience any symptoms of arthritis.
“Your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis of arthritis, as well as discuss all available treatment
options and recommend any lifestyle changes to better live with osteoarthritis,” said Symbas.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Southern Orthopaedic Specialists has established specialty areas in
orthopaedics, physiatry, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy and orthotics to help their patients
maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. The group covers the Atlanta area with offices in with offices
in Fayetteville, Suwanee, Atlanta, Duluth, Stockbridge and its headquarters in Atlanta.