Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to Wellness Tips, where Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care, shares expert insights to help you stay on top of your health. With extensive experience in internal medicine and emergency care, Dr. Schenker provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to support your well-being.
In this series, Dr. Schenker tackles key health concerns and offers straightforward strategies to prevent and manage them effectively. Today’s focus is osteoarthritis—an incredibly common joint condition that affects millions. By understanding what causes it and how to take preventive action, you can protect your joints and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis Prevention
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the United States. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Although it can affect any joint, OA most commonly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Age, genetics, joint injuries, and lifestyle choices all play a role in developing osteoarthritis. While there is no cure, prevention is key to reducing your risk and keeping your joints healthy for as long as possible. Dr. Josef Schenker is here to guide us through the essential steps to prevent OA and manage its symptoms effectively.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains the Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time, causing bones to rub against each other. There are two main types:
- Primary OA – Develops naturally with aging and wear and tear.
- Secondary OA – Results from injuries, obesity, or other medical conditions.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to Josef Schenker, MD, while osteoarthritis can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk. The following groups are more likely to develop OA:
- Older adults – The likelihood of developing OA increases with age, especially after 50.
- People with a family history of OA – Genetics can play a role in joint health.
- Individuals who are overweight or obese – Extra weight adds stress to joints, particularly in the knees and hips.
- Those with previous joint injuries or repetitive stress on joints – Previous trauma or repetitive movements can contribute to joint wear and tear.
- People with certain medical conditions – Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can make joints more vulnerable to OA.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Josef Schenker, MD explains that the wear and tear of cartilage in joints is the hallmark of osteoarthritis, but several factors can contribute to its development:
- Aging – As we get older, our cartilage naturally wears down, leading to increased friction between bones.
- Joint injuries – Past injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can accelerate cartilage breakdown over time.
- Obesity – Carrying excess weight places extra pressure on joints, increasing stress and speeding up cartilage wear.
- Genetics – Some people inherit a genetic predisposition to joint issues, making them more likely to develop OA.
- Repetitive motions – Jobs or activities that require repetitive joint movement can contribute to long-term joint stress.
- Inflammation – Chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body can lead to faster cartilage breakdown and joint pain.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
According to Dr. Josef Schenker, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can develop gradually and worsen over time. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Joint pain – Many people with OA experience aching or discomfort in affected joints, particularly after activity or at the end of the day.
- Stiffness – Joints may feel especially stiff in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
- Swelling – Inflammation in the joint can cause mild to moderate swelling.
- Decreased range of motion – Over time, joint movement may become more limited, making everyday activities harder.
- Joint clicking or cracking – A grating or clicking sensation may occur when moving the affected joint.
- Bone spurs – Small, bony growths can form around the joint, further limiting mobility and causing discomfort.
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s best to visit your doctor immediately. They can order tests like X-rays for accurate diagnosis which can help in developing management and treatment plans.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Prevent Osteoarthritis
Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that because there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, taking steps to prevent it is your best defense. The good news is that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in protecting your joints and keeping them healthy. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight puts extra pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing OA and ease symptoms if you already have it. - Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercise
Regular movement keeps your joints flexible and strengthens the muscles around them. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking are excellent ways to stay active without putting too much stress on your joints. - Protect Your Joints from Injury
Be mindful of your joint health by avoiding repetitive stress, using proper techniques when lifting, and wearing supportive footwear. Ergonomic tools and braces can also help minimize strain. - Follow a Joint-Friendly Diet
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon), antioxidants (like berries), and vitamin D (like dairy or fortified cereals) can help protect joint health and reduce inflammation. - Strengthen Muscles Around Joints
Building muscle strength through strength training, yoga, and stretching helps support and stabilize your joints, reducing the risk of injury and OA progression.
How to Manage Osteoarthritis
Even though osteoarthritis doesn’t have a cure, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Dr. Josef Schenker maintains that with the right approach, you can manage symptoms effectively, stay active, and maintain a good quality of life. The key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.
- Physical Activity & Stretching Moving your joints regularly helps reduce stiffness and improve flexibility. Gentle exercises like yoga, tai chi, and stretching can keep your joints limber while preventing further stiffness.
- Weight Management Keeping your weight in check eases stress on your joints, especially in weight-bearing areas like your knees and hips. A healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way in slowing OA progression.
- Pain Management Techniques Managing discomfort may involve over-the-counter pain relievers, alternating between heat and cold therapy, and trying physical therapy exercises. Finding the right combination can make daily activities more manageable.
- Supportive Devices Braces, orthotics, and walking aids can provide extra support for your joints. These tools help distribute weight more evenly and reduce strain, making movement easier.
- Medications & Injections Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections may offer relief by reducing pain and swelling in affected joints. Your doctor can help determine the best option for you.
- Surgery (in Severe Cases) If other treatments fail, joint replacement surgery might be necessary. This procedure can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain, allowing for a better quality of life.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Osteoarthritis can be triggered by joint overuse, injuries, excess weight, genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammation. Repetitive movements, poor posture, and prolonged stress on joints also contribute to its development, gradually wearing down cartilage and leading to joint pain and stiffness.
People with osteoarthritis should limit their intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats, as these can increase inflammation. Avoiding excessive red meat, fried foods, and high-sodium snacks can also help manage symptoms and protect joint health.
No, osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and using supportive treatments can help preserve joint function and prevent further damage.
Protect Your Joints: Osteoarthritis Prevention and Care
Your joints are essential for mobility, and taking proactive steps today can help you stay active and pain-free in the future. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and following joint-friendly habits, you can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis and improve your overall well-being.
If you’re concerned about osteoarthritis or seeking personalized guidance, consult with a healthcare professional. Centers Urgent Care, with locations across New York, is here to help. Led by Dr. Josef Schenker, our experienced team can offer tailored advice, develop a management plan, and help you maintain an active lifestyle. Don’t let osteoarthritis hold you back. Contact us today and take control of your joint health.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
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