Exercise & Prevention

To treat osteoarthritis in the knee, the most effective exercise program will depend on the location in the joint where cartilage has worn down. The knee has two joints. The first is where the thigh bone (femur) connects to the shinbone (tibia). The two bones touch in two places—on the inside of the knee (medial) […]

The bones of the neck (the cervical spine) carry a lot of weight relative to their size. Like the knees and hips, the spine is vulnerable to wear and tear as we age. Cervical spondylosis, as doctors refer to neck arthritis, will afflict more than 85% of us by the time we reach our 60s. […]

Delaying Doses of Prolia Boosts Risk for Spine Fractures Denosumab (Prolia®) is a drug used for postmenopausal women and men who have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every six months. This drug is effective for preserving bone density. Discontinuing it can lead to a reversal of its effects. A study […]

One-quarter of adults ages 65 and older fall at least once every year. One in five of those falls results in a serious injury, such as a head trauma or bone fracture. You may be aware of some of the risks for falling, including trip hazards and dim lighting. But did you know that a […]

Dogs are wonderful companions. One of the many benefits of having a dog is the necessity to go out for walks. Research shows that dog walkers are more likely than other people to get the recommended amount of physical activity. A walking routine is a great way to keep fit and also ease arthritis pain. […]

Physical Therapy Better Than Steroid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Two options for treating knee osteoarthritis are physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (April 2020) compared them and found physical therapy to be superior. The study included 156 people with knee osteoarthritis who were divided into two […]

In January 2020, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and hand. Working with the Arthritis Foundation in a process that included the perspective of people who have osteoarthritis, the ACR reviewed the scientific literature and made recommendations both for and against various treatment options. […]

We can all benefit from moving more and sitting less. Physical activity helps you feel and function better. It is especially important for people with arthritis. In fact, exercise is one of the cornerstones of treatment for osteoarthritis. An exercise program should combine different kinds of exercise, which includes aerobic activity. These are the activities […]

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, whether you are exploring places you’ve never seen before, visiting distant family or friends, or leaving home for some other reason. If you have arthritis, the excitement of a trip may be dampened by concerns about how your symptoms will limit you. With some preparation and some simple steps […]

Treatment for Low Back Pain Often Doesn’t Match Guidelines Many older adults with low back pain receive treatment that is not consistent with guideline recommendations, according to a study published in the journal Medical Care (February 2020). Unless there are specific danger signs, guidelines suggest that diagnosis should be based on a history and physical […]

Osteoarthritis can be challenging to treat. There is no single, one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, there are a variety of treatment approaches that may be appropriate depending on the joint or joints affected and symptoms, which can change over time. Therapies may be used together or one after another at different times. To help doctors and their patients […]

Q: When I’m walking or running for exercise, does it matter if it’s on pavement, a running track or a treadmill? A: Where you choose to walk or run is a personal decision. Some people prefer being outdoors, while others like to exercise indoors on a treadmill. The best choice is the one you enjoy […]