Derek L. Hill, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist

Signs & Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Menopausal-SymptomsRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which cells from the immune system attack multiple joints in the body. Symptoms of this polyarthritis include painful joints which can also be red and swollen.

Joint stiffness is another significant symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and it is usually worse in the morning. This rigidity lasts for at least one hour and it is associated with difficulties completing everyday activities. Movement generally becomes easier as the day progresses and the joints loosen up.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that rheumatoid arthritis affects joints on both sides of the body symmetrically. The most commonly affected joints are those of the hands, wrists and feet, although the elbows, knees, hips and shoulders can also be affected.

Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to Arthritis Research include fatigue, irritability, depression, weight loss and generally feeling unwell. The University of Maryland Medical Center also states that children with rheumatoid arthritis can develop a high fever, chills and a pink rash.

The Arthritis Foundation reports that these symptoms usually vary from patient to patient and from day to day. They usually begin insidiously though some persons develop periods of increased severe symptoms. These periods, which are known as flares, can last from a few days to several weeks.

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis include tender joints which are warm to the touch. They may also feel spongy or boggy.

Red eyes, which are caused by scleritis or inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes, is another sign of this condition which can affect numerous organs in the body.

Rheumatoid nodules, which may be palpated by the doctor, are other signs of rheumatoid arthritis. These pea-size, fleshy lumps usually develop under the skin on the elbows, the hands and feet. In some rare situations they may become painful and infected, especially if they develop around the ankles.

Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services

Give Joints & Bones Some TLC With a Daily Dose of Vitamin D

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girl does yoga at sunsetDo you eat healthy, exercise regularly, and take a daily multi-vitamin? If so, good for you! You’re certainly doing a stand-up job at supporting the health and overall well-being of your body. However, even those with the healthiest habits might be missing out on a critical component for optimal wellness – vitamin D.

So what’s the big deal with vitamin D? There are actually a number of benefits that this particular vitamin offers your body, including:

  • Stimulates new cell growth
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Lowers risk of diabetes
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Fights diseases
  • Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Aids in calcium absorption

Last, but certainly not least, vitamin D promotes strong and healthy bones. The reason for this is because essentially, vitamin D teams up with calcium and nourishes your body by increasing bone density. Together, these two nutrients are the keys to success when it comes to bone health.

The reason why bone health is so important is because it is something that affects everybody eventually. As we age, as gracefully as possible of course, certain changes are simply unavoidable. Obvious external changes will take place – wrinkles, gray hair, decreased height, skin spots, etc. – but less noticeable internal changes will also occur, such as weakened bones.

Even though our bodies are able to produce some vitamin D on their own, it is not a substantial amount. In order to maintain optimal bone density and strength, and prevent osteoporosis, you need to be conscious of your vitamin D intake.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of sources of vitamin D readily available to us. Use them all or pick your favorites to better your bones.

Sunshine

When your body absorbs sunlight through the skin, it produces vitamin D and then stores it for up to a month.

Seafood

Various kinds of fish and raw oysters are packed with high amounts of vitamin D.

Eggs

Another good source of vitamin D is eggs, with the yolk offering the most benefit. Caviar can be included in this category as well.

Fortified Foods

Certain food items are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, which makes them an ideal choice. Read labels and look for fortified products.

Deli Meat

Ham and sausage are high in vitamin D, but they can also be high in fat content so these deli meats should be consumed in moderation.

Mushrooms

Vegetarians can obtain adequate amounts of vitamin D from mushrooms.

No matter how old you are, it’s never too early to fight bone loss. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that vitamin D is the most common type of deficiency. Give your body the TLC it deserves with hearty helpings of vitamin D, which makes bones efficient so you won’t be deficient.

Written by: Kaity Nakagoshi, Online Community Director

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About the Author

As the Online Community Director for Tenet Florida Physician Services, Kaity is able to connect with fellow health nuts and broaden her knowledge of a wide range of topics. Kaity was born and raised in sunny Florida, and obtained two bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Some of her favorite things are hot yoga, online shopping, Sunday brunch, college football, hair bows and headbands, playing golf, and FaceTiming with her niece.

Benefits of Running For Your Joints & Knees

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????????????You may not feel like exercise is for you out of fear that you’ll sweat your hair out, it’s too cold outside, or your need to take a shower immediately after. For one moment do yourself a favor and put these concerns away, and just let the benefits of running sink in. According to Weil “running is a form of aerobic “cardio” fitness that offers the ability of your heart to pump stronger and more efficiently and your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently.” Running is also excellent for burning fat. In weight loss, the key is to burn more calories than you consume.

Running outside or on a treadmill can help you lose weight. However, there’s a difference in the two as far as energy released (calories burned). Many distance-runners use a treadmill for less stress on the legs. According to Weil (n.d.) “outdoor running burns slightly more calories than treadmill running at the same speed due to lack of air resistance on the treadmill.” Research has found if you set a treadmill at just 1% elevation it will equal things out, and treadmill walking or running will mimic running outside. Running is a good exercise for bones in your legs, knee cartilage and joints, producing superior improvements and health benefits in bone density. According to Hoyle (2014), “Moderate amounts of running provide the most beneficial influence on your bone health, the U.S. Sports Academy reports.” It requires you to pay attention to your form. Here are some things to remember:

  • Align your head and spine (look towards the horizon), and keep your body erect to avoid fighting gravity.
  • Relax your shoulders
  • Stretch your torso to full height for maximum breathing and zero torso strain.
  • If your torso and head are properly aligned, your hips (which are close to your center of gravity) will be too.
  • Keep your knees low for less energy loss.
  • Quicker ankle action increases speed.
  • Keep your arms close to the body, only swing low, forward and back. Relax and bend your elbows at 90 degrees. The upper arm should not move much, but allow the lower arm to do most of the work.
  • Cup your hands and gently place your thumb on the top half of your index finger.

Also remember to control your breathing when running. For deep breaths lift the chest up and out and fully exhale for increased inhalation. Maintain a consistent rhythm and effort running up hill, shorten your stride and slow down. When running downhill allow gravity to pull down, but maintain control.

References:
Hoyle, M. G. (2014, May 13). Running and Your Bone Density. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/368647-running-your-bone-density/

Thomas, J. (2014, March 13). Is Jogging Bad or Good for Knee Cartilage? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/532848-is-jogging-bad-or-good-for-knee-cartilage/

Weil, R., MED, CDE (n.d.). Running (Jogging). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/running/page3.htm

Written by: Jamacia Taylor, Rust Built, Marketing Services

The Importance of Pre- and Post-Exercise Stretching to Avoid Sports Injury

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Woman doing push upsIf you’re a seasoned athlete or participating in sports for the first time you’ve probably been told that it’s important to do a pre- and post-exercise stretch, but never why. Stretching is very important to avoid sports injuries. Don’t think you’ll have time to implement stretching? You only need 5-10 minutes total, for both pre- and post-exercise stretching.

There are studies and people who do not see the importance of stretching before exercise. They believe that (static) stretching before you lift weights can make you feel weak and unstable during workout. “Still, rather than abandon stretching altogether, recent trends suggest that a technique called “active isolated stretching” might protect athletes from injuries better than traditional bend-and-hold techniques.”

Proper stretching gives you flexibility by increasing the length of your muscles and tendons. It helps you increase your range of movement, which will allow your limbs and joints the ability to move further before an injury occurs. Another benefit of regular stretching is that it helps prevent muscular imbalance. During exercise many people focus more on one side of the body which causes muscles to overcompensate for others. Regular stretching helps lengthen any tight and overused muscles, while strengthening the underused ones.

During stretching remember to:

  1. Never use bouncing motions during stretching to avoid a strain or muscle damage. Instead, take your time and move slowly from one body part to the other.
  2. Hold your stretch position for at least 30 seconds to one minute. The longer you hold the stretch the more your body and muscles will benefit.
  3. Be sure to stretch all of your body parts from head to toe but do not overstretch because that can cause injury.

At the end of your activity remember to cool down to help reduce stiffness, return your heart rate and blood flow to normal and relax your muscles.

Jamacia Magee, Rust Built, Marketing Services

References:

    1. Mattes, A. 2013, April 3). A good reason to skip your pre-workout stretch. Retrieved from

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/good-reason-skip-pre-workout-stretch-110910090–spt.html

Medical Disclaimer: Be sure to check with your physician before starting a new exercise routine or if you have any health care-related questions.

Four Strategies To Keep Your Joints Healthy For A Lifetime

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Pixmac000076209833The tread on your tires thins and wears out after miles and miles of usage, right? In a similar fashion, the cartilage—a cushioning shock absorber where our bones come together–may thin and wear out over time, and with years of usage. Here are four simple strategies to keep your joints healthy for as long as you want to use them.

  1.    Throughout life, keeping your joints healthy will ease problems when you grow older. Vary your exercise to keep your joints healthy, so that one area of your body is not over-taxed, resulting in damage. Injuries when you are young may develop into arthritis later in your life. Alternate high-impact workouts with low-impact activities, like swimming and walking, and strength training. Stretching will nourish the joint
  2. Watch inflammation. After exercise, the joints may be inflamed due to the release of synovial fluid. Applying ice to the joints used will decrease the swelling and aid in the natural repair cycle that healthy joints go through. Exercise also sends oxygen-rich blood, nourishing joints and cartilage.
  3. Eat a healthy diet to keep joints healthy. Fish oil, such as salmon and tuna, may reduce the levels of inflammation in the joints, because they’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Research is beginning to imply that vitamin D may protect and keep your joints healthy, by reducing inflammation.
  4. Losing weight is the best way to lessen cartilage strain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, which affects us as we age. Joints that support extra weight, such as the knees, experience small tears that break down the cartilage. The less they have to support the better, and the healthier your joints will be.

Consult your doctor about taking supplements, such as calcium, vitamin D, glucosamine/chondroitin and fish oil for healthy shock absorbers,…uh…,healthy joints for your lifetime.

Ruby Moseley, Rust Built, Marketing Services

5 Top Tips to Manage Joint Pain after Replacement Surgery

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Water Therapy Suzanne and Glenn 3 Large Web viewThe wonders of joint replacement surgery allow people who have been bedridden to rediscover their mobility. Joint replacement surgery is a medical miracle that can help people return to a normal life of mobility, but it is not without its drawbacks. There can be significant pain that comes with joint replacement surgery. Follow these five tips to help manage any pain you experience after a joint replacement surgery.

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