WHETHER IT’S YOUR KNEES, ELBOWS OR HIPS, TURN TO BROWARD HEALTH FOR YOUR ORTHOPAEDIC NEEDS
July 18, 2022- Have you thought about a plan to keep your joints healthy? If you haven’t, don’t worry — it’s not a surprise. When we can move our bodies easily and effortlessly, many of us take our joints for granted.
Joints are the places in the body — like the knees, elbows and hips — where two or more bones meet. They are part of the musculoskeletal system — a complex system of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and cartilage — that work together and allow us to sit, stand, walk and dance.
People can have broken bones, sprains and other joint problems at any age. But some common joint problems, like arthritis, become more common as people get older. Fortunately, you can take action to help keep your joints healthy and preserve your mobility.
SELF-CARE STRATEGIES
If you stay active and eat healthy foods to help prevent heart disease, diabetes and other serious conditions, here’s some good news: These self-care strategies also support your joints.
“There are no pills, like statins, for joints,” said
Jason Gould, M.D.
Jason Gould, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with the Broward Health Physician Group. “The best way to prolong the life of the joints and ease symptoms of arthritis is to exercise and lose excess weight.”
Dr. Gould recommends weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging to make the bones and muscles stronger and aerobic exercises that also help strengthen the heart.
WHEN YOU NEED HELP
You may need care from an orthopaedic specialist if you injure or break a joint, or a joint becomes inflamed and you are in pain.
Conservative therapies, such as medication, use of heat and cold and physical therapy, may help with some conditions. However, if your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend that you have a surgical procedure that may offer more lasting relief.
CHOOSING BROWARD HEALTH
You can expect exceptional orthopaedic care close to home. Broward Health’s network of four adult hospitals offer total joint care for hips, knees, shoulders, hands and more. Services include advanced diagnostic tools, innovative and minimally invasive surgical options and rehabilitation.
In addition, the Joint Arthroscopy Center at Broward Health North is the first program in South Florida to have earned The Joint Commission’s advanced certification for total hip and knee replacement.
“We have the expertise and resources to handle all kinds of joint problems — from complex traumas to more routine wear and tear of the joints,” Dr. Gould said. “Our goal is to help patients return to the activities they love as quickly as possible.”
MOVE WITH EASE
To find an orthopaedic physician near you, visit BrowardHealth.org/Find-Doctor.
