Help for Hip Pain
Many people develop hip pain as they get older. Here’s what you can do about it.
Keeping Muscles Strong
Strong muscles are an important component of moving well and avoiding injuries. Learn more.
Keep Your Knees Healthy
Don’t let a knee injury keep you on the couch. Learn what you can do to protect these vital joints.
Bones, Joints and Muscles Topics
Ask an Expert
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I have knee pain, which I feel all day. I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. His conclusion is the cartilage is worn out and recommends knee replacement. I've tried injections but this did not help. Are there any alternative procedures you would recommend?
Current treatments for end stage arthritis (bone touching bone) are very limited to mostly surgical options, i.e. joint replacement. Currently there is no effective way of replacing the cartilage that is damage... continue reading about I have knee pain, which I feel all day. I'm seeing an orthopedic doctor. His conclusion is the cartilage is worn out and recommends knee replacement. I've tried injections but this did not help. Are there any alternative procedures you would recommend?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the ... continue reading about Are there certain exercises I can do after knee replacement to strengthen my knees to allow for climbing stairs easily?
Joshua C. Richards, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
A feeling of painless joint "popping" is not terribly worrisome and can be normal for the individual. In major joints like the hip, knee or shoulder, an increase in popping can be a sign of weakness in the surr... continue reading about I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
My left knee cap hurts very much when I put weight on it, especially when I kneel. Also it becomes very warm. What can be causing this?
Thanks for the question! Some of the most common questions/complaints that orthopedic surgeons discuss with patients are knee cap issues. This small bone on the front of the knee (anatomically called the patell... continue reading about My left knee cap hurts very much when I put weight on it, especially when I kneel. Also it becomes very warm. What can be causing this?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
Calcium is important for your bones and teeth, but also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Calcium needs vary with age, and it is important to consume enough calcium every day. Besides dair... continue reading about I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
Suzanne E. Pertsch, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I get a lot of muscle cramps. What's wrong, and what can be done?
Muscle cramps are a common symptom and occur both in men and women.Cramping is caused by an electrical impulse from a nerve to a muscle. The impulse is triggered spontaneously and can be very forceful and painf... continue reading about I get a lot of muscle cramps. What's wrong, and what can be done?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
Perhaps not if you choose to pursue both in moderation. However, if you spend long hours in high heels, then you may continue to find long distance running difficult. Are you willing to drop down to two-inch he... continue reading about The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
David S H Chang, M.D.
Surgery Center Division
I have pain and numbness across my upper back, in my shoulders, down my arms and through my elbows, wrists and hands. I know I have ulnar nerve damage of some kind. How do I start to ease the pain and numbness so I can sleep and work comfortably?
Pain and numbness that spans a region encompassing the upper back, to the shoulders, to the elbows, to the wrists and the hands definitely involves one of the three major nerves that travel the length of the up... continue reading about I have pain and numbness across my upper back, in my shoulders, down my arms and through my elbows, wrists and hands. I know I have ulnar nerve damage of some kind. How do I start to ease the pain and numbness so I can sleep and work comfortably?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
I am so sorry to hear that you have experienced multiple ankle fractures. Even one is more than enough! Proper rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the ankle after a sprain can help recovery and decrease ... continue reading about I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
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