OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates Now Treats Knee Problems Associated with Osteoarthritis
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) January 31, 2016 -- The board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates now treat knee problems frequently associated with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis affecting approximately 27 million adults in America.
The knee is susceptible to developing osteoarthritis, especially if the joint is under excess stress and pressure.
“For those who are overweight and have osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee is especially common,” said Douglas Hartzler, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates. “It’s thought that the increased stress on the knee joint caused by additional weight is contributing to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three obese Americans are expected to develop osteoarthritis (arthritis of the joints) in key areas, like the knees, as compared to the one in five Americans expected to develop osteoarthritis who are not overweight.
A painful disease that affects mobility, osteoarthritis is characterized by discomfort, tenderness, stiffness, pain and grating sensations in the joints. Over time, the disease destroys cartilage, bone, muscles and ligaments.
“Once cartilage is lost, there’s no replacing it,” Hartzler said. “However, by keeping a healthy body weight, those affected by osteoarthritis can help preserve existing cartilage, and by losing weight patients also increase the likelihood of optimal results after surgery, if joint replacement is necessary.”
The orthopedic surgeons at AOA warn that the development of osteoarthritis places people in a compromised situation.
“The best thing for those who suffer from osteoarthritis is weight loss,” said Hartzler. “But it’s more difficult to lose weight when it’s hard to walk or move.”
For those who have osteoarthritis, OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopedic Associates offers professional consultations, diagnosis and treatment, including joint replacement surgery, a proven treatment that can give patients the opportunity to become active again.
“Regular exercise paired with proper diet and nutrition has a significant impact on overall bone and joint health,” Hartzler said. “For those who are suffering with osteoarthritis, there are many effective treatments available, including joint replacement, that can help with pain and discomfort and get people back to doing the things they love.”
Hartzler specializes in joint replacement, bone and joint-related sports injuries and complex reconstruction.
For more information on OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, please visit http://www.aoa.md or call (602) 631-3161. Find out more on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aoaatgateway and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aoaatgateway.
About OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates
OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates strives to improve the quality of life of its patients and their families through outstanding orthopedic care. OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of orthopedic care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, top-rated and board-certified orthopedic surgeons strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties.
Al Stevens, The SPR Agency, http://thespragency.com/, +1 (480) 648-1770, [email protected]
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