Corticosteroid Injections

This treatment reduces inflammation caused by joint pain, sports injuries, tendinitis, bursitis and spinal stenosis.

Corticosteroid injections suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation in the affected area. They provide temporary relief by blocking the release of inflammatory chemicals, reducing pain signals and improving range of motion. Their effects can last for weeks or even months.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance in the joints that acts as a lubricant. For people with osteoarthritis, the amount of HA in the joints decreases, leading to pain and stiffness. These injections replenish the HA, particularly the knee, providing greater movement and reducing inflammation.

HA injections are used to treat patients who have already been treated with pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen) and other treatments that did not work sufficiently.

Intra-articular Hip Injections

This procedure involves injecting medication directly into the hip joint to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s often used for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or labral tears.

An intra-articular hip injection is a procedure where a needle is used to deliver medication, typically a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic, directly into the hip joint space.

In addition to pain relief, it can aid in diagnosis of the source of the pain. It may also help to delay or possibly avoid the need for hip replacement surgery.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

A PRP injection is a treatment option that uses a patient’s own blood to promote healing and reduce pain. The process involves drawing blood, separating out the platelets and plasma, and then injecting the concentrated PRP into the affected area.

PRP injections are used to treat a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, tendon and ligament damage and osteoarthritis. Benefits include accelerated healing, reduced pain and improved function.

iovera Nerve Block Injections

iovera is a treatment that uses extreme cold to temporarily block sensory nerves from sending pain signals, providing relief for up to 90 days. It’s a non-surgical, drug-free option for managing pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.

iovera can also be used prior to your surgery to help relieve pain and make recovery easier. Patients who received iovera° as part of their recovery plan reported greater range of motion and less difficulty straightening and bending the knee.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let pain prevent you from living your best life. Contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio at (210) 545-7171 to discuss treatments that may be right for you.

The post Therapeutic Injection Treatments appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

• Hip or groin pain that limits your daily activities
• Hip pain that makes it hard to get in and out of chairs
• Hip pain that keeps you awake at night
• Hip pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments, like injections, braces, or exercises

Any of these conditions may call for surgery, and the Orthopedic Performance Institute practices two techniques:

Posterior Hip Replacement

With this technique, the surgeon makes incisions in the back of the hip. Muscles and ligaments are separated to gain access to the hip bone. Dating back to the 1950s and even before, it is the traditional and most common method for hip replacement.

It may be the only option for these patients:

• Patients who are obese
• Patients who have certain medical conditions such as severe arthritis
• Patients who have had previous hip surgeries

Anterior Hip Replacement

The Orthopedic Performance Institute offers the anterior technique that can offer benefits not available with traditional hip replacement surgery. Since this surgery is more technically demanding, OPI is one of the area’s leading practitioners of the technique.

With anterior surgery, the surgeon approaches the hip bone from the front. It is known as “muscle-sparing” surgery because it does not require cutting of muscles. Because there is less muscle trauma, patients experience less postoperative pain and a faster recover time.

To qualify for the anterior hip replacement surgery, candidates must:

• Be in generally good health
• Maintain an average weight with less muscle mass and fat in the thigh area
• Be mobile, active and independent before surgery
• Have a good support system at home

The anterior hip replacement technique has fewer restrictions on mobility and activities than traditional hip surgery. Patients can immediately use their hip, allowing it to bear their total weight (as long as it’s not uncomfortable) and are allowed to bend it freely. This results in a faster resumption of their normal daily activities.

Recent advancements in surgical technique, instrumentation and patient selection have made anterior hip replacement a preferred option for qualifying patients who require total hip replacement. If performed by an experienced surgeon on the properly selected patient, an anterior hip replacement can result in a rapid recovery during the weeks after surgery.

Dr. Christopher Phelps

“I like to perform the anterior technique on hip replacement patients when possible because the patient experience is dramatically better. They recover quicker and have less pain,” says orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Phelps.

Don’t let hip pain take you away from your active lifestyle. Contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio to consult with the experts!

The post Anterior and Posterior Hip Replacements: A Comparison appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

The CDC recently posted an article about how to be healthy, and we at Orthopedic Performance Institute decided to pull out the important info, with a focus on your bones and joints!

Here’s how you can enjoy the holidays while prioritizing your health in simple, fun ways.

Why Staying Active is Essential for Bone and Joint Health

Movement is medicine, especially for your bones and joints. Staying active during the holidays helps improve circulation, maintain muscle strength, and keep your joints mobile. The good news? You don’t need a grueling exercise regimen to reap the benefits.

• Holiday Shopping Steps: Turn your shopping trips into a workout. Walk a few laps around the mall before hitting the stores.
• Take the Stairs: Opt for stairs whenever possible—even going partway up before switching to the elevator can make a difference.
• Group Walks: Gather your friends and family for a walk after a holiday meal. Make it entertaining by turning it into a scavenger hunt.

Simple actions like these can keep your joints healthy and reduce stiffness, especially during the colder months when inactivity can creep in.

Fun, Active Holiday Traditions

Holidays are the perfect time to mix festivities with fitness. Seasonal activities bring a joyful twist to staying active:

• Explore Holiday Lights on Foot: Bundle up and walk through neighborhoods decorated with festive lights. It’s more immersive than driving and great for your step count.
• Ice Skating or Hiking: Outdoor winter activities like skating or hiking combine holiday spirit with a healthy dose of cardio.
• Yard Games or Park Activities: Set up an active group game like tag football or Frisbee during family gatherings.

These activities not only boost your physical health but also create lasting memories with loved ones.

Nutrition That Supports Your Orthopedic Health

What you eat plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and flexible joints. The holidays might tempt you with calorie-rich, sugar-laden treats, but balance is key.

• Portion Control: Indulge in festive treats in moderation, but start meals with fruits and vegetables to fill your plate with nutrients.
• Healthy Swaps: Modify traditional recipes with low-fat dairy, reduced sodium, or added spices for flavor without extra calories.
• Lean Proteins and Veggies: Opt for dishes featuring baked fish, chicken, or legumes alongside a variety of vegetables to promote bone strength.

A little creativity in the kitchen can turn holiday favorites into healthier options that everyone can enjoy.

Creative Ways to Keep the Focus Off Food

Holidays don’t have to revolve around food. Consider shifting your gatherings toward activities that engage the mind and body:

• Volunteer Together: Helping at a community center or food bank can bring meaning to the season while keeping you active.
• Explore Museums: Discover local exhibits with family or friends for a low-impact activity.
• Try Seasonal Crafts: Engaging in creative projects is a great way to connect while keeping your hands and mind busy.

By diversifying the focus of holiday gatherings, you can foster healthier traditions for years to come.

Building Long-Term Healthy Habits

Small changes made during the holidays can set the foundation for a healthier new year. Activities like regular walks, mindful eating, and enjoying nutritious meals can easily transition into year-round habits. The key is consistency and finding joy in your efforts.

For those with orthopedic conditions, these strategies aren’t just helpful during the holidays—they’re essential for maintaining mobility and reducing discomfort throughout the year. Let the season of giving inspire you to give yourself the gift of health.

Enjoy Your Healthy Holiday!

With these tips, you can fully embrace the holiday spirit while supporting your orthopedic health. So lace up those walking shoes, grab a handful of holiday veggies, and enjoy every step, laugh, and bite of the season—guilt-free!

The post Healthy Holidays: Tips for Movement and Nutrition appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Stay active

Even a few minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity can deliver some health benefits and count toward reaching the recommendations. For adults, the many benefits of physical activity include reduced short-term feelings of anxiety and better sleep.

Some tips for staying active during the holidays include:

Eat healthy

Eating well supports muscles and bones, boosts immunity, helps the digestive system, and aids in weight management, among other health benefits for children and adults. Good nutrition involves eating a variety of healthy foods. To do that during the holidays:

• If you eat foods that are high in calories, saturated fat, or added sugars, choose small portions and only eat them once in a while. Opt for healthier foods most of the time.
• At parties and other gatherings, fill your plate with your favorite fruits and vegetables first, then add small portions of less healthy items.
• If you are taking food to a party, make it your favorite healthy dish. Then you’ll be sure that at least one item at the party will be a healthy choice that you enjoy.
• Make healthier versions of your traditional recipes by using ingredients with less fat and salt.
• Spice up baked fish or chicken by adding salsa or black bean sauce.
• Consider beans in place of higher-fat meats.

Fill your plate with vegetables and lean protein.

Plan activities that don’t involve eating

Here are some ideas for shifting the focus away from food during the holiday season:

• Volunteer in your community.
• Try a seasonal activity such as ice skating or winter hiking.
• Go on a walk and explore a new area with a friend or family member.
• Visit that museum or exhibit you’ve been wanting to see.

Consider what new healthy traditions you can start this year. The possibilities are endless!

Volunteering during the holidays might become something you enjoy year-round.

Resources

Suggestions for healthy holiday travel.

• Tips for drinking more water.
• Six ideas for staying active in winter.
• How Right Now resources if you’re feeling sad, worried, or stressed.

Information source: CDC.

The post How to Have Healthier Holidays in 1-2-3! appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

What is outpatient joint replacement?

Outpatient total joint replacement is performed in a clinical environment rather than in the hospital. And patients go home the same day. There are many reasons for this.

Better pain control

• Epidural injections numb the hip or knee area for replacement procedures.
• Shoulder replacement surgery can be done with brachial plexus injections.
• Local anesthetics offer longer-lasting pain relief and reduce the need for opioid medications.

Additionally, multimodal pain control involving the use of several medications such as acetaminophen, or NSAIDs such as iboprofen, reduce or eliminate the need for narcotics and opioids. This results in safer pain control so patients can recover safely at home.

Advanced surgical techniques

These advances have shortened surgical procedures drastically and reduced blood loss. They can also be less invasive and therefore less traumatic for the patient. Additionally, medications such as tranexamic acid (TXA) further reduce blood loss and make transfusions less necessary after total joint replacement surgery.

Advanced pre-operative safety and patient selection

The surgeons at the Orthopedic Performance Institute apply advanced pre-screening techniques to identify the patients that are eligible for outpatient surgery, and which patients should stay overnight at a hospital after surgery. Eligibility is based on these factors:

• Age
• Pre-existing health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, etc.)
• Home environment and safety
• Support from family

More immediate physical therapy and occupational therapy

Gone are the weeks spent waiting for patients to heal. It’s been proven that getting a patient out of bed and walking the same day of surgery — even a few hours later — results in faster recovery time with fewer complications

Where is outpatient surgery performed?

There are two types of facilities utilized for the procedure:

• Hospital operating rooms. Historically, most total joint replacements have been performed in the hospital environment.
• Ambulatory (outpatient) surgery centers. Some of these centers are found in hospitals but function independently. Others are free-standing, occupying buildings of their own.

Surgeons Matthew Dwyer, MD and Christopher Phelps, MD, of the Orthopedic Performance Institute utilize both environments, depending upon patient needs, insurance coverage, or availability. Either way, patients can rest assured that they’ll be treated with the same level of skill and receive excellent care in either environment.

Ambulatory surgery centers provide:

• Pre-op areas to prepare patients for surgery
• Operating rooms where surgery is performed
• Post-surgery recovery areas

When a patient is fully recovered from the anesthesia, they are picked up by a friend or family member and driven home that same day.

Is outpatient total joint replacement surgery safe?

Again, studies show that it’s safer than staying in the hospital and patients have reported higher satisfaction rates.

What risks are involved?

We will prescreen you to determine which environment is safer for you. As mentioned above, if your health is compromised (i.e., heart, lung and kidney disease), then hospitalization may be recommended.

What are the benefits of outpatient total joint replacement?

• Reduced pain
• Lower infection rates, which means a lower risk of needing additional surgery
• Quicker recovery in the comfort of your own home
• Faster mobility with less time spent in bed, helping to reduce blood clots, urinary tract infections and pneumonia
• Increased satisfaction with the joint replacement process

What do I need to do to prepare for the procedure?

As they do with their traditional in-hospital surgical procedure preparations, the staff at the Orthopedic Performance Institute will provide a pre-surgery class to tell you what to expect and answer your questions. They’ll also recommend the pre-surgery exercises you should perform.

Stop living with pain! Find out if you are a candidate for outpatient total joint replacement surgery. Contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute at (210) 545-7171.

The post Outpatient Total Joint Replacement appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

• Weakness in one foot/leg or both feet/legs
• Change in sensation (burning, pins and needles) or numbness in one leg or both
• Difficulty with balance or feeling unsteady
• Fatigue

Difficulties in walking can result in injuries and broken bones.

Ways to Manage Walking Difficulties

• Keep a log if you have difficulty walking and what you are doing to manage it.
• Take precautions to avoid falls.
  • When standing, go slow and hold onto something.
  • Be careful on the stairs and always use handrails.
  • Install non-skid surfaces in the bath and other slippery spots in your home.
  • Remove throw rugs and mats, and clear walkways of extra furniture.
  • Make sure your room is well lit so you can see where your feet are.
• Talk to your health care provider about whether assistive devices, including canes and walkers, may be needed to improve your balance or support areas of weakness.
• A referral to a physical or occupational therapist may be helpful to assess what assistive devices would be helpful, plan exercises, and learn how to move around safely.
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Orthopedic shoes or gel sole inserts may help lessen discomfort while walking.
• A home safety evaluation can be ordered by your health care professional to evaluate your home. They will make suggestions for any modifications that are needed to maintain your safety.

Some self-care activities you can do to improve your pain can include diet, exercise, sleep and medication.

• Difficulty walking may make it hard to do certain types of exercises. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercises to determine what exercise is right for you.
• If you have weakness on one side of your body related to your tumor, corticosteroids may be prescribed. These medication side effects can cause weakness in your hips, making standing up difficult and can impact your sleep, causing fatigue and lower your energy level. Take your medication exactly as prescribed and talk to your health care professional if you have these side effects.
• If you have weakness or difficulty with balance or walking, lack of sleep may be making these symptoms worse. Follow these sleeping tips to help improve your sleep paatterns.

Home Safety Checklist

If you are having difficulty walking or experiencing weakness, use this safety checklist.

Ways to Make Your Home Safe

• Take precautions to avoid falls and be cautious.
• When standing, go slow and hold onto something.
• Be careful on the stairs and always use handrails.
• Install non-skid surfaces in the bath and other slippery spots in your home.
• Remove throw rugs, mats and clear walkways of extra furniture.
• Make sure your room is well lit so you can see where your feet are.
• For weakness, be careful when performing household tasks and handling sharp and hot objects.
• Bend at the knees, not at your waist, when lifting or carrying items if you are experiencing weakness.
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Orthopedic shoes or gel sole inserts may help lessen discomfort
while walking. Orthopedic shoes or gloves may also help protect hands and feet from
injury.
• Talk to your health care provider about if assistive devices, including canes and walkers,
may be needed to improve balance or support areas of weakness.
• Talk with your health care provider about massage therapy or acupuncture.
• Ask about physical or occupational therapy that can be helpful to strengthen, fix or make
up for weakness and maximize independence. They will help with range of motion, make
suggestions for environmental changes, and provide assistive devices.

When to Report Difficulty Walking

Connect with your doctor and discuss any concerns you have. Share your logged symptoms and self-care activities with them.

• Ask your doctor when and how to report your symptoms to them.
• Report if difficulty walking continues to get worse, is severe (>7), or if your walking does not improve from your self-care activities.

Ask your doctor what you should do in the case of an emergency and when your difficulty walking should be reported urgently. This may include if your difficulty walking occurs suddenly or is associated with other new symptoms.

Contact Us

If you experience sudden or severe difficulty walking, contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio.

Difficulty Walking was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.

The post Challenges of Walking Difficulty appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

When injury gets you out, we’ll get you back.  Watch the recent video of an OPI patient enjoying full function — back in the game!

“Dear Dr. Matthews and the Physical Therapy crew,

Thank you for your help in getting me back on the field. I was able to get my spot back and went undefeated as a starter to lead Churchill to playoffs for the first time since 2018! I am very grateful for your help!

Sincerely,

Kyle Stamper”

Back at play. Check out Kyle’s performance on the field! Click the picture to play.

The post Check out this video appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Knee or hip joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, can be a valuable tool when traditional, non-surgical treatment options have failed to manage the pain from an arthritic hip or knee.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive, degenerative disease in which the cartilage of the knee or hip slowly wears away. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones of the joint, and when the cartilage of the joint wears away due to osteoarthritis, the resulting pain and inflammation can be debilitating.

Your chances of osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints of the knee and hip increase with age; the condition most often affects middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis may first appear between the ages of 30 and 40, though symptoms may not be present in the early stages. Later in life, many Americans will experience joint pain due to arthritis that can make enjoying life very challenging.

Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Matthew Dwyer and Dr. Christopher Phelps, with the Orthopedic Performance Institute, are dedicated to combating the effects of osteoarthritis and are determined to guide patients back to an active, enjoyable lifestyle.

Historically, knee and hip replacement have been Performed as in-patient procedures, involving one or even two-night stays in the hospital. Since 2018, both Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Phelps have been performing joint replacements on an out-patient basis. This is accomplished through extensive patient education and preparation combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques, advanced pain management therapies and enhanced rehabilitative support.

Our outpatient total joint replacement program eliminates the need for overnight hospital stays and allows patients to return to an active, enjoyable life with minimal downtime. The surgery itself takes about one and a half hours, and patients spend about five to six hours total at the surgical center before being discharged to recover fully at home.

The success of outpatient joint replacement journey is dependent on several factors. One of the most imperative factors is appropriate patient selection which can be based on good general health, age, and at-home support, followed by preparation and education of the patient about:

• At-home rehabilitation and post-operative exercise.
• Wound care and pain management.
• Recognition and avoidance of possible complications. Complications such as infections or blood clots are associated with any surgery, and precautions are taken to minimize these concerns.

Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Phelps have a genuine commitment to patient health and have performed hundreds of successful joint replacement surgeries each year. For more information about knee and hip replacement surgery or any orthopedic condition, call (210) 545-7171 or visit our website. The Orthopedic Performance Institute has offices in Stone Oak and Boerne.

Get back your active life with the Orthopedic Performance Institute.

The post Outpatient Knee and Hip Replacement appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

• Baseline testing measures your brain function in a healthy state. This computerized test measures memory, attention span, and visual and verbal problem solving. Neurocognitive testing, like the ImPACT baseline test used by the Orthopedic Performance Institutem is the cornerstone of modern concussion management used by high schools, professional teams, universities, and clinical centers.
• While concussions aren’t preventable, baseline testing is a great way to be prepared if a concussion ever happens. If you have an injury, the Orthopedic Performance Institute, or other healthcare provider, can compare a post-injury test to the patient’s baseline test and determine the extent of concussion for treatment and evaluate a safe return to activity. Objective data will help evaluate reaction time, memory capacity, speed of mental processing, and executive functioning of the brain.
• As preventative medicine, an annual concussion baseline test is recommended to ensure an up-to-date record of a patient’s normal functioning.
• Baseline evaluations take about an hour in office and include the following:

1. Physical exam and review of personal history.
2. Vestibular/Ocular-Motor (VOMS) screening to indicate balance dysfunction.
3. ImPACT neurocognitive computerized test. This test is timed and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

• $50 is charged for each concussion baseline screening. They are not covered by insurance.

Post-Injury Concussion Treatment

Our concussion treatment plan is part of a multidisciplinary approach for balanced care and treatment, and includes:

• Physical exam and review of personal history.
• Vestibular/Ocular-Motor (VOMS) screening to indicate balance dysfunction and, if necessary, needed referral to specialist for more detailed assessment and management.
• ImPACT baseline computerized neurocognitive test to measure visual and verbal memory, reaction time, and processing speed. It takes 20 minutes and gives providers objective data to evaluate a patient’s post-injury condition and aids in tracking recovery.
• If the patient has already taken a baseline test elsewhere, then the post-injury test results will be compared to the baseline scores and or/normative data.

Fees for concussion treatment are usually covered by insurance without additional cost to the patient. Claims will be submitted to insurance by the Orthopedic Performance Institute.

When treatment for a concussion becomes necessary, call (210) 545-7171, ext. 404 for a STAT appointment with Dr. Alexandra Matthews.

The post Concussion Baseline Testing: Preventative Medicine for Athletes appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Babies

Bone growth begins even before babies are born. Premature and low-birth-weight infants often need extra calcium, phosphorus and protein to assure they get the nutrients they need for strong bones. Most baby formula contains calcium and vitamin D.

Breastfed babies get the nutrition they need for good bone health from their mothers. That’s why mothers who breastfeed should increase their intake of vitamin D. Most baby formula contains calcium and vitamin D.

Children

Good bone health begins early in life with good habits. While children and young adults rarely get bone diseases, kids can develop habits that endanger their health and bones. Parents can help by encouraging them to eat healthful food and get at least an hour of physical activity every day.

Jumping rope, running and sports are fun activities that are great for building strong bones. Kids need the amount of calcium equal to three servings of low-fat milk each day. If your child doesn’t drink enough milk, serve low-fat cheese, yogurt or other foods that are high in calcium. If your child is allergic to milk or lactose-intolerant, you should talk to your pediatrician about milk substitutes.

Teens

Teens are especially at risk for not developing strong bones because they are growing so rapidly. Boys and girls from ages 9 to 18 need 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day, more than any other age group. Parents can help teens by making sure they eat four servings of calcium-rich and vitamin D-fortified foods a day.

At least one hour a day of physical activities such as running, skateboarding, sports, and dance is also critical.

But take note: extreme physical exercise when combined with undereating can weaken teens’ bones. Teens who miss adding bone to their skeletons during these crucial years never make it up.

Adults

Adulthood is a time when we need to carefully monitor our bone health. We need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium, depending on our age, and at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Activity that puts some stress on your bones is essential:

• Physical activity at least 30 minutes every day
• Strength training two to three times a week
• Balance training once a week

Many women over age 50 are at risk for bone disease, but few know it. At menopause, which usually happens in women over age 50, hormone production drops sharply. Because hormones help protect bones, menopause can lead to bone loss. Your doctor can help advise you on protecting bone health around menopause.

Seniors

Seniors can take steps to help prevent bone problems. Physical activity and diet are vital to bone health in older adults. Calcium and vitamin D help reduce bone loss. Activities that put stress on bones keep them strong. Find time for activities like walking, dancing, and gardening. Strengthening your body helps prevent falls. Protecting yourself against falls is key to avoiding a broken hip or wrist. All women over age 65 should have a bone density test.

Seniors should also know that recent studies conclude that anyone over age 50 should increase his or her vitamin D intake to 600 International Units (IU) per day. After age 70, 800 IU per day are needed.

You can prevent most falls

Falls are not just the result of getting older. However, as you age, falls become more dangerous. Most falls can be prevented. Here are some things you can do to make a fall less likely.

Begin a regular exercise program

Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like dancing and Tai Chi, are the most helpful. Consider joining an organized program at your local community center or gym.

Make your home safer

• Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove all small rugs.
• Don’t use step stools. Keep items you need within easy reach.
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the bathtub or shower.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Use brighter light bulbs in your home.
• Add handrails and light in all staircases.
• Wear shoes that give good support and have nonslip soles.

Ask a health care professional to review your medicines

Ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional to review all the medicines you are taking. Make sure to mention over-the-counter remedies such as cold medicine. As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medications can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.

Have your vision checked

Poor vision increases your risk of falling. You could be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.

Your Doctor Can Help You Protect Your Bones at Any Age

Talk to your doctor about bone health. Together you can evaluate your risks. Some things to discuss include your current health, your diet and physical activity levels, and your family background.

The doctor can look at your age, weight, height and medical history. From that, he or she can determine if you need a bone density test. Broken bones are a “red flag” for your doctor. If you break a bone after the age of 50, talk to your doctor about measuring your bone density. Even if you broke a bone in an accident, you might have weak bones. It is certainly worth checking.

If your doctor finds that your bones are becoming weaker, there are things you can do to make them stronger. You can be more physically active, change your diet, and take calcium and vitamin D supplements. If your bones are already weak, there are also medications that stop bone loss. They can even build new bone and make it less likely that you will suffer a broken bone.

The physicians at Orthopedic Performance Institute offer Bone Wellness and Fracture Prevention services dedicated to helping you keep your bones strong for a lifetime. Make an appointment today.

The post Protecting Bones at Every Age appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.