El Pasoans of all ages are building their fitness — and social circles — by joining running clubs and participating in community walks and recreational activities of all kinds. And while that’s a great trend to see in our city, sometimes your fitness journey can be interrupted by a nagging pain in your knee, hip, ankle or other joint.
However, orthopedic specialists say joint pain should not automatically discourage you from staying active.
Karim “Dr. Shark” Elsharkawy, a Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso board-certified orthopedic surgeon, encourages adults to pay attention to the warning signs of joint problems. He also advises them to prioritize overall health and wellness.
“We definitely see more active people, whether it’s running or other activities,” said Elsharkawy, who also serves as an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation in the Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech Health El Paso. “I’m seeing the community here becoming more active, which is really a good thing.”
According to Elsharkawy, many complaints about joint pain or discomfort among recreational athletes are linked to conditioning, improper preparation or overuse. He recommends slowly easing into your training routine, wearing proper footwear, and avoiding the urge to push through persistent pain.
It’s advice many experienced runners and other athletes understand: By warming up and training smart, you can reap the reward of a pain-free, active lifestyle.
“Many people are eager to go all out when they start training, but starting slow is more effective,” Elsharkawy said. “Even at the beginning, you’ve got to warm up because if you don’t, you’re more than likely to injure something or pull a muscle.”
While occasional soreness after activity can be normal, lingering pain, swelling and stiffness may signal a more serious issue. Other warning signs may include difficulty sleeping, difficulty getting out of a chair, swelling or noticeable changes in leg alignment.
“If pain starts during activity and then stays afterward, even after icing it or taking medication, that’s something to pay attention to,” Elsharkawy said. “If the pain is getting to the point where it limits your activities, go see a specialist.”
Preventing and treating osteoarthritis
Elsharkway sees patients who have developed osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, prior joint injuries, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
The condition is often seen in older adults, but he says debilitating osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of aging. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar are some of the healthy lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, and allow older patients to enjoy a thriving quality of life.
“Many people delay seeking care because they assume arthritis is simply part of aging. However, advances in treatment and recovery have improved outcomes,” Elsharkawy said.
For example, robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used in joint replacements, and it offers patients the benefits of reduced post-operative pain and short hospital stays. Some patients are able to return home the day after surgery, he said.
Above all, Elsharkawy encourages people not to ignore persistent symptoms – there’s no need to silently endure a life of discomfort and limited mobility.
“The main thing is seeking consultation early,” he said. “It’s much easier to deal with some situations when they’re caught early rather than after they’ve become advanced.”
To learn more about orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation services at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, visit ttepelpaso.com or call 915-215-5400.
The post El Paso orthopedic expert shares tips for staying active and preventing arthritis appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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