PF Patient Pamphlet_Rev B

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It’s time to be your own healthcare advocate! It used to be that a doctor’s word was final. Whatever they suggested, you did, without question. They’re the ones with the fancy degree and years of schooling, surely, they know what is best for you. However, a John Hopkins study found that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with heart disease and cancer listed respectively as one and two. It is more important than ever that patients take accountability for decisions regarding their health. By getting involved in the decision-making process with their doctors or surgeons, patients feel more confident about their course of treatment and are more likely to receive better health outcomes.

Use These 7 Tips to Be a Better Health Advocate

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Ask about the benefits, side effects, and disadvantages of a recommended procedure. If you are unclear about something, ask your doctor to explain it again. Also, prepare for your doctor’s appointment by making a list of questions you have and prioritizing them ahead of time.
2. Understand how your health insurance works. Knowing how your individual insurance works can help you navigate the health care system with less of a chance of ending up with costly, unexpected medical bills.
3. Do your own research! In today’s digital age, you can surf the web to find out more about your condition and potential treatment options. The more you educate yourself, the better you’ll be able to advocate for your well-being and get the support you need. While the internet is a useful tool in gathering information, it cannot interpret it the way a trained professional can. So, if you find medical information online that you want to discuss, print it out and bring it with you to your appointment.
4. Maintain your own records. Transferring records from doctor to doctor can be a hassle. By keeping tabs on your own records, you know they won’t get lost in the shuffle. By doing this you also can see exactly what your doctors are seeing. This year, Apple released an update to their Apple Health App that allows you to store all of your medical records on your phone. By having all of your medical information at your fingertips, you can work with your doctor to reduce your risk for medical errors.
5. Get a second opinion. A good doctor will welcome confirmation of their diagnosis and would not discourage their patient from learning more. You should get a second opinion if you do not feel confident about a diagnosis or course of treatment. Another reason to get a second opinion is if you feel that your concerns are not being heard. In the case of non-emergent, major surgeries, a second opinion could save you from unnecessary medical costs and stress. For instance, if your surgeon recommended fusion, but you are not ready to give up your active lifestyle, it may be time for a second opinion. Use our Find a Doctor tool to find a new surgeon in your area that has experience with the Arthrosurface products.
6. Review your medical bills for errors. A 2015 audit by Equifax found that hospital bills totaling more than $10,000 contained an average error of $1,300. Insurers do not normally look at each itemized bill, instead, they normally just work off of the summary bill. So, make sure you review the itemized bill for errors, or hire a professional to do so.
7. Know your rights at work. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), employers with 15 or more employees must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Some reasonable accommodations that your employers may have to make include duty changes, rest breaks, rearrangement of their workstation, or even the ability to work from home.

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Everyone, meet Brian! Our newest Shoulder HemiCAP patient testimonial!

Brian is currently a personal trainer and competitively sprints at the master’s level. However, when he was in his late 20’s, Brian seriously injured his shoulder while powerlifting. The injury caused a large bone spur and arthritis in his shoulder, but despite the pain, he tried to remain as active as possible, pushing through the pain daily. His sprinting began to suffer, as arms help to make running more efficient.

Eventually, Brian’s pain and range of motion was so unbearable that he had to find a solution. After researching his options and discussing them with his orthopaedic surgeon, they decided the Shoulder HemiCAP Implant, with its benefits to active patients, was his best option.

With no activity restrictions following Shoulder HemiCAP Surgery and recovery, Brian couldn’t wait to get back to the gym. Not only is he now able to fully raise and extend his arm and perform daily movements without pain, Brian is also back to sprinting and coaching his clients pain-free!

Brian says that the Arthrosurface Shoulder HemiCAP has given him his “quality of life back” and that “other people should be looking at it, too!”

Watch his full story in the video below:

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Bone Screws One Pager

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Why would you exercise and move around with arthritis joint pain, if it only makes you feel worse? We know it may sound counterintuitive, but staying active is one of the most important things that you can do to combat joint pain and arthritis. Limiting your movements can weaken your muscles and decondition your body. Fun, low-impact exercises help strengthen the muscles and ligaments near the joints that are causing you pain, and could also increase your range of motion and flexibility. Regular exercise is good for your joints, your heart and your mind, which will all help you stay independent in your later years.

4 Ways to Exercise this Spring

1. Walking. You don’t need to run marathons to stay in shape and get your muscles working. If you suffer from joint pain, walking by yourself or with a friend is a great way to exercise. Walk somewhere that you can enjoy the scenery and the beautiful spring weather; try walking around a park, a zoo, through a garden, or even on the beach. You’ll think less about it being an exercise and more about how nice it feels to be outside!
2. Gardening. While most of you would not consider gardening an exercise, it is a great way to burn calories and improve your mental health. According to AARP gardening is an aerobic exercise that helps you work new muscles in your body and improve strength, stamina and flexibility. It is extremely rewarding to see beautiful flowers that you grew or eat delicious produce that you worked to create. So, if you don’t already, try gardening this spring as a recreational exercise.
3. Bike Riding. While you do use your knees to ride a bike, it is not nearly as harsh on your joints as running on the hard pavement is. Bicycling strengthens your muscles at the front of your thighs, which are key protectors of the knee. Stronger muscles help to stabilize the knees and help them to better absorb shock, which helps to reduce damage and pain. Find a local bike path and go at your own pace. Don’t have a bike? Look into renting one while you figure out if bike riding is the right type of exercise for you!
4. Yoga. Yoga is a low-impact exercise perfect for those who suffer from joint pain because its exercises can be modified to fit your individual needs and abilities. It has many benefits including increased flexibility and range of motion, improved balance and decreased joint stiffness. It also helps with psychological issues like stress and anxiety. If you suffer from arthritis, make sure you are using yoga blocks, cushions and support while practicing yoga. You can practice yoga anywhere, so take it outside this Spring!

So, how are you going to #StayActive this spring?

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If you are a new patient to our website, below is a list of tools that you may have not discovered yet.

• Find a Doctor in your area who is experienced with our products.

  • How it works: If you click the find a doctor link on the top of our page it will bring you to a form. This form helps us learn a little about you, so we can help you find what you are looking for. After filling out this form you are brought to a page with a map of your area and a list. This map shows all of the doctors in your area that have done at least 3 Arthrosurface surgeries in the last 5 years. You can see what their practice names is, go to their website, or call their office. This is a great resource for those who are looking to connect with doctors who have experience with our products.
  • Didn’t find what you’re looking for, or want more information? We are happy to help answer any questions you have: contact@arthrosurface.com

• Patient Testimonial Stories

  • Under the Patients drop down in the top navigation, click on “Patient Stories”. These are actual Arthrosurface patients that have shared their experiences with our products. You can filter the stories by joint, so you can see what people are saying about the procedure you are inquiring about.
  • These testimonials are 100% true and unscripted.

• Patient Referral Network

  • Something you may not know is that we have a very extensive patient referral network here at Arthrosurface. If you feel unsure about a specific procedure one of the best ways to learn more is to talk to someone who has had it done!
  • If you contact us we can connect you with a real person who had the same Arthrosurface procedure you are looking into!
  • We connected Terri, who suffered from knee pain, with Letia, a HemiCAP® patient. The two met up in person and afterwards, Terri decided to go ahead with Knee HemiCAP® surgery!

• Our Blog!

  • If you go to the blog/news tab, then you can read all of our blog posts! There is some great content in there for those who are suffering from joint pain. Here are some of the things you can find in that section:
    • Patient testimonials
    • Product releases
    • Tips to help avoid or relieve joint pain
    • Arthrosurface News
    • A whole lot more!
  • Subscribe to our blog, so that you never miss a blog post!

• Patient Guide for the Treatment of Toe Arthritis – A Surgeon Survey

  • This is a great piece of literature for patients who are researching our Toe Implant Systems. The results are based on the experience of 35 foot and ankle surgeons who collectively performed 2261 procedures with these systems. The surgeons were surveyed about the clinical benefits and patient outcomes of the Toe HemiCAP® and ToeMotion® Systems. It discusses the following:
    • Treatment options for the different stages of arthritis, from mild to severe.
    • Procedure and Hospital Stay Timelines
    • Pain Relief Comparison
    • Typical Patient Function and Activity Milestones
    • Overall Satisfaction

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Wristmotion Patient Pamphlet_Rev A

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It is not too late to plan the perfect Father’s Day to show your dad just how much you love him! We planned a day from start to finish that we think your dad will appreciate! If your dad suffers from arthritis or joint pain or even if he is just looking to live healthier, this plan keeps him in mind!

First things first, you need to plan a little in advance to get your dad the perfect gift. Here are some gift suggestions!

• Massage Gift Certificate: Regular massage appointments can result in a significant decrease in joint pain and stiffness.
• Fitbit Versa: This new Fitbit will help your dad accomplish his fitness goals this year!
• Sneakers: A great pair of supportive shoes can do wonders for someone who has bad knees. Click here to see some ideas!
• Reusable water bottle: The average man does not get the recommended amount of water per day. Since 60% of joint cartilage is made from water, it is so critical to stay hydrated to avoid joint pain.
• Golf Clubs or Golf Certificate: Golfing is a great activity for people with joint pain to stay active. Some benefits include, improved strength, balance and coordination and better range of motion.
• Wireless Headphones: AirPods or Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones are perfect for your dad who loves to #StayActive by going on long walks or runs!

Next, plan some activities that get you and your dad out of the house! While your dad will appreciate an awesome gift, what he wants most is to spend time with you.

• The beach is a great place to take your dad on Father’s Day. Swimming is a healthy, low impact exercise for those with joint pain or arthritis! Also, walking on the beach is relaxing and beneficial to those with joint pain.
• The zoo is another great place to get some steps in while also enjoying the outdoors. Take your dad or grandfather to the zoo this Father’s Day!
• Take your dad golfing this Father’s Day! Exercise is extremely important to combat joint pain and golfing is a great activity to pick up for those with joint pain.

Plan some great meals for your dad to pamper him this Father’s Day. Here are some recipes that taste great and are great for his health.

For breakfast try making some recipes with ingredients like egg, avocado, wheat toast, black beans, and spinach. Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamin B! Black beans are full of anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate the aches and pains of arthritis. Avocados which have many health benefits including a stronger heart, clearer skin, weight loss and also help prevent health issues like diabetes and arthritis. Treat your dad to breakfast in bed with one of these easy, nutritious egg recipes!

• Huevos Rancheros
• Eggs Florentine Avocado Toast Recipe
• California Omelette with Swiss Cheese
• Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
  

For lunch and dinner, these recipes feature ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Tilapia is a good source of selenium, a mineral that helps to improve arthritis symptoms. Another great fish is non genetically modified (Non-GMO) salmon; it is rich in omega-3s and vitamin D, both of which enhance joint health, boost immunity and protect against inflammation. Beans have tons of fiber, protein and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Colorful fruits and veggies, like strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, kale, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect. Here’s a list of some delicious, healthy recipes to make this Father’s Day.

• Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad With Poppyseed Dressing
• Grilled Tilapia Spinach Salad
• Moroccan Vegetable Skewers
• Fish Tacos and Tropical Salsa
• Easy Grilled Tilapia
• Grilled Salmon Kebabs

Check out our Pinterest page for some other great anti-inflammatory recipes!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

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Spanish PF Patient Pamphlet_Rev B

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Franklin, Massachusetts based Arthrosurface, Inc. announced today that midterm clinical results reconfirmed joint preservation in patellofemoral (PF) surgery with the PF Wave Implant System. 5-year results presented by Dr. Jonas Pogorzelski at the recent ESSKA Congress in Glasgow, Scotland found significant improvement in symptoms and no progression of knee arthritis.

Isolated patellofemoral arthritis occurs when there is loss of cartilage limited to the central portion of the knee joint. For advanced stages, partial joint replacement has become the leading treatment. The Arthrosurface PF Wave Inlay Arthroplasty Design adapts and restores the patient’s unique joint surface providing a novel, anatomic approach to treating isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Derek Jones, MD, Section head of Sports Medicine and Cartilage Restoration at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute in New Orleans said, “Over the course of the past 8 years, I have been very encouraged seeing my patients return to high levels of work and sports following this procedure. Our joint preservation experience is similar to those presented at ESSKA.” In contrast, traditional Onlay implants require more extensive bone cuts and tend to sit high on the new joint surface, thereby increasing the risk of overstuffing the joint.

Based on their findings presented at ESSKA, lead author Prof. Andreas Imhoff, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Director/Chairman Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the University of Munich concluded, “We observed significantly improved postoperative outcomes with high patient satisfaction at the two-year follow up. This trend held true for the 5-year results, too.”

According to Matthias Schurhoff, VP of Clinical Affairs, “seeing these study results continue to show no arthritic changes at the 5-year mark while holding significant pain relief and functional improvement is very validating for us. These results support our belief that our unique inlay concept provides a contemporary arthroplasty track in patellofemoral surgery.”

Arthrosurface continues to innovate Patellofemoral Arthroplasty by providing active alternatives to total knee replacement and allowing more patients access to knee preservation options.

About Arthrosurface: Arthrosurface, Inc. is a global orthopedic medical technology business providing a broad portfolio of essential products and instrumentation used to treat upper and lower extremity orthopedic conditions caused by trauma, injury and arthritic disease. Arthrosurface is the inventor and market leader in joint preservation with inlay arthroplasty. Our product offerings include joint preservation implants, instruments and orthobiologics. Founded in 2002, Arthrosurface markets and distributes its products in the US and around the world and has succeeded in helping patients return to activity for over 14 years. For more information, please visit our website at www.arthrosurface.com.

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Happy First Day of Summer! Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! You may love going to the beach, sitting by a pool, going to a farmers market, hiking the woods, going for a long bike ride, having a picnic or enjoying a scenic walk. Whatever it is, there are a few things you should know if you suffer from arthritis and joint pain.

Did you know that certain types of arthritis can cause sensitivity to sunlight? People who have lupus, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, or dermatomyositis tend to be more sensitive to the sun. Another not-so-fun fact is that many drugs used to treat arthritis can make the skin more susceptible to burning. These medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and celecoxib, which are used to reduce pain and inflammation in all types of arthritis. Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate, which are drugs used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can also increase skin sensitivity. Make sure to check the labels of drugs you take to see if they cause sensitivity to the sun.

Tips for Sun Protection

Use Sunscreen. Whenever you go outside, make sure to apply sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Doctors recommend SPF 30+ if you tend to burn easily. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVB radiation (which cause sunburns) and UVA exposure (which leads to skin cancer and early skin aging). Even if it is cloudy outside, UV rays can still affect you because they can penetrate clouds. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. While some sunscreens claim they are water resistant or waterproof, it’s always a good idea to reapply after swimming, too.

Wear the Right Clothes. While we all love a good tan in the summer, too much sun exposure can be dangerous. Bring a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt on your next beach trip to protect your skin from too much sun. Also, invest in a large-brimmed sun hat and some sunglasses. Ultraviolet light can damage your eyes, so sunglasses with UVA and UVB-blocking lenses are a necessity!

Let Your Sunburns Heal. Apply a cool cloth, hydrocortisone cream or moisturizing lotion to a painful sunburn. There is no treatment that will make a sunburn go away quickly. So, be patient because exposing yourself to sunshine too quickly after a burn can be dangerous. If you are constantly getting sunburns because of your medicine, talk to your doctor about switching your treatment.

Drink Lots of Water. When the weather gets warmer dehydration is likely. Joint cartilage has a high-water content, so when you lose body fluid and it is not replenished you’ll likely become dehydrated. Dehydration causes damage to your joints, so make sure you are drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day!

Remember, Vitamin D is important! While it may sound like the sun is too dangerous to risk the exposure, getting enough Vitamin D is important. Vitamin D helps your body use the calcium that you receive from food and drinks, which makes your bones strong. Going outside for just 10-20 minutes a day is enough to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D.

No matter what your agenda is this summer, remember these tips to be able to spend time with your friends and family all summer long!

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FRANKLIN, Mass., June 29, 2018 — Today, Arthrosurface, Inc., a leading provider of minimally invasive, motion preserving joint restoration systems, announces their recent FDA 510(k) Clearance to market the Patellofemoral (PF) Wave^Kahuna Arthroplasty System. The PF Wave^Kahuna Arthroplasty System is a line extension to The Company’s previously cleared and commercially marketed family of HemiCAP® Patellofemoral & PF Wave Systems.

Shane Shankle, VP of US Sales expressed, “As a market leader in Patellofemoral Arthroplasty, we are very excited to round out our line with the PF Wave^Kahuna System. The larger implants will allow a surgeon to choose from a wide range of size offerings to better serve the patient’s needs and allow them to maintain their quality of life.”

The PF Wave^Kahuna restores the unique articular surface geometry of the Patella and Femoral Trochlea while maintaining the patient’s native anatomy. It’s innovative, extended lateral aspect and trochlear geometry is designed to address challenging Patellofemoral tracking and stability conditions as well as providing increased coverage of the trochlear groove. Furthermore, the novel patella design combines the clinical benefits of both the anatomic and dome patella implants from the PF Wave System. Additionally, the PF Wave^Kahuna femoral component is designed to mate with the currently marketed Arthrosurface PF Wave Fixation Component. The existing surgical technique is unchanged, with the addition of a superior ream step.

“The FDA clearance comes shortly after data recently presented at ESSKA confirmed significantly improved postoperative outcomes with high patient satisfaction and no progression of knee arthritis at 5 years follow-up. The timing could not be better,” said Dawn Wilson, VP of Quality & Regulatory.

About Arthrosurface: Arthrosurface, Inc. is a global orthopedic medical technology business providing a broad portfolio of essential products and instrumentation used to treat upper and lower extremity orthopedic conditions caused by trauma, injury and arthritic disease. Arthrosurface is the inventor and market leader in joint preservation with inlay arthroplasty. Our product offerings include joint preservation implants, instruments and orthobiologics. Founded in 2002, Arthrosurface markets and distributes its products in the US and around the world and has succeeded in helping patients return to activity for over 14 years. For more information, please visit our website at www.arthrosurface.com

SOURCE Arthrosurface, Inc.

Related Links

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In the midst of summer, we know many people are heading out on their long-awaited travels. Whether it be a vacation with your family, a business trip, or a quick weekend get away with your friends, chances are you will be going somewhere this month for your next adventure. July and August are the most popular travel months of the year. If you suffer with joint pain, traveling can be tedious and not something you look forward to. Although it can’t be fully avoided, here are a few tips to help you avoid joint pain while traveling!

Tips for Traveling Pain-Free

Walking and Stretching. Traveling involves a lot of sitting. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or car, an important travel tip is to make sure to get up and move. The hours that you are sitting down can cause stiffness in your joints. Whenever you get the chance get up and walk, whether it be throughout the airport, at the pit stop, or around the train station, walking will help to make your joints less stiff. Before starting your trip, you should stretch. Stretching will help by reducing your stiffness and pain. It will also help loosen your muscles and prepare your body for all the sitting. Even if you feel as though you have walked and stretched enough, know that the more you walk and stretch the better you will feel.

Make Sure to Pack your Medication. Many people think they can just skip out on taking their medication while they are on vacation. This is not a good idea. Not taking your medication can cause your joints to flare up even more. It will just add to the discomfort you will already be in from all the traveling. Another important tip in terms of medication is to make sure you pack it in an accessible area. Whether you are flying, driving, or taking the train, putting your medications in your carry-on bag or purse is extremely important. It needs to be somewhere you can get to easily and take whenever needed. In the case that your checked bag gets lost, at least you will still have your important medications on you.

Discuss with your Doctor. Planning your vacation is a process and one very important step is speaking with your doctor. You can discuss with them what type of trip best suits you. The trip will depend on how much pain you are in because that can affect what you can and can’t do. Discussing the trip will help you have the best experience while on your vacation. The amount of time that you are traveling has an impact on any pain and stiffness that you’ll feel. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long they think you should be sitting down/resting during your trip.

Staying Health Conscious. Eating healthy and staying hydrated are a few healthy lifestyle hacks that seems to slip away when traveling because most of the options for food are not very good for you. Things like chips and processed foods contain ingredients that cause inflammation. Next time consider bringing your own food to the airport. Things like apples, bananas, oranges and even sandwiches are allowed through airport security. Along with being conscious of what you are eating, also make sure you are staying hydrated. Drinking water is important in helping to minimize joint stiffness. Water bottles are often very expensive to buy at the airport, but you are allowed to bring your own reusable bottle when traveling (just make sure it’s empty when you’re going through security). Airports often have bubblers throughout the terminals or you can just ask any restaurant to fill up your bottle.

Think Ahead. If you can choose your seat when booking a flight or train ticket, book an aisle seat. Sitting in the aisle seat will give you the chance to get up whenever you start to feel stiff. Another benefit of the aisle seat is that you get to extend your legs, which can help with your pain. If possible, try to book a seat with extra leg room to give yourself a bit more comfort. Another way to travel smart when you have joint pain is to take shorter flights, if possible. Although having a bunch of connections takes longer, it will allow you to move more frequently. Even better than taking more flights is driving. By driving you are on your own schedule and you can make a stop whenever you want. Getting out, stretching, and walking around will help to alleviate stiffness and subside pain.

Whether you are heading out on a crazy adventure or a trip only a few hours away make sure to keep these tips in mind to have the minimum amount of joint pain possible!

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We’re very excited to introduce our newest patient testimonial, Rudy Kadlub, who opted for bilateral OVO Stemless Total Shoulder implants with Inlay Glenoids!

Currently, Rudy is the co-owner of Kabuki Strength in Clackamas, OR and is a competitive, World Record Powerlifter. Rudy originally injured both of his shoulders playing football in college. For years he endured and pushed through the pain all to avoid the dreaded shoulder replacement surgeries. Despite his continued shoulder pain, Rudy began powerlifting at the age of 55 and holds over 30 world records. While powerlifting became a way of life for him, it also further complicated his shoulder issues.

Not wanting to deal with the pain and embarrassment any longer, he visited his local orthopaedic surgeon who recommended that he make an appointment with Dr. Anthony Miniaci. After flying across the country for his appointment with Dr. Miniaci, they decided that the OVO Stemless Total Shoulder system with Inlay Glenoid was the best option for Rudy. With no activity restrictions, this system is especially geared toward patients who don’t want to lose the mobility that they would with typical total shoulder replacements.

In 2016 he received his right shoulder implant first. Just 6 months later, Rudy got his left shoulder implant done. After rehabbing both shoulders, his range of motion was completely restored. He started competing just 6 months after his second surgery! Just one year after receiving his implants he set 4 new world records. Now 2 years post-surgery Rudy is feeling great and is very thankful for the implants which allowed him to get back to his life.

Rudy writes great a blog about powerlifting. In there, he also wrote articles on his decision to go through with the OVO surgery as well as updates on his recovery process. Check it out here!

Watch Rudy’s full patient testimonial below.

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If you suffer from arthritis or any other condition that causes inflammation, adopting a healthier diet may help reduce your pain. Substituting inflammatory foods for those with anti-inflammatory nutrients can lessen the number of flare-ups that you have. Here is a list of what foods to avoid and some great substitutes to add into your diet.

Eat Avocados! July 31^st is National Avocado Day, so it’s fitting that we start with avocados and their anti-inflammatory benefits! Avocados are rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, phytoserols, alpha-linolec acid and cartenoids. These nutrients help to reduce inflammation, blood sugar and regulate cholesterol levels.  Avocados are a great replacement for unhealthy fats, so use mashed avocado whenever you’d typically spread margarine or mayonnaise.

Avoid Coffee Creamers, Margarine & Artificial Trans Fat. Most margarines and coffee creamers contain artificial trans-fat (look on the label for “partially hydrogenated oils”). Artificial trans-fats are one of the unhealthiest foods you can eat. They are created by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats in order to give them the stability of a more solid fat. This process helps to extend shelf life. Studies show that artificial trans-fats cause inflammation and increase disease risk. Other foods that have artificial trans fats include: fried fast foods, frozen pizza, desserts (especially those with frosting), biscuits, and cream filled candies. There is no “safe amount” of artificial trans-fat to eat, so do your best to steer clear.

Cook with Olive Oil: Olive oil is a great oil to cook with! It is rich in an omega-9 fatty acid called oleic acid, which helps to minimize inflammation. Try olive oil when you are cooking, and even add it on top of salads as a dressing. Store bought salad dressings are full of inflammatory sugars and fats. So, swap them out with olive oil, since it’s also good for your heart and brain, too!

Avoid Vegetable oil. Vegetable oil has a high concentration of the inflammatory fat, omega-6, and is low in the anti-inflammatory fat, omega-3. Your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be 1:1, so the imbalance causes inflammation.

Eat Fish. Fish is a healthier alternative to red meat that not only gives you the protein you need, but also help to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and are in fish like salmon, snapper, tuna, cod, halibut and bass.

Avoid Red Meat. Not that you should cut red meat out of your diet completely, but the hormones and preservatives found in meat products can cause problems. Another problem with red meat is that it is higher in cholesterol and salt, which can trigger inflammation.

Eat Fruit & Veggies. Because they are packed with antioxidants, fresh fruits and vegetables are a must in any anti-inflammatory diet. The antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids and Vitamins A, C and E help to reduce inflammation. A healthy tip: eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies to get a variety of nutrients: different colors=different nutrients.

Avoid Snack Foods. Processed and packaged foods like chips, pretzels and candy contain tons of saturated fats. These fats trigger fat tissue which releases pro-inflammation agents.

Avoid White Sugar. We know it’s difficult to resist desserts, pastries, sodas and even fruit juices that are loaded with sugar, but studies show that sugars trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines. Sugar goes by many names on ingredient labels, so look out for any word ending in -ose (fructose, sucrose, etc.).

Try Cinnamon Instead. Cinnamon is a sweet spice that actually helps to reduce inflammation. Researchers say that you only need a quarter of a teaspoon a day to get the benefits. So, try swapping out your cream and sugar in your coffee with a bit of cinnamon. If you make this switch you could also be save 70+ calories per cup.

It should be said that you don’t have to completely eliminate all of these bad foods from your diet, but moderation is key. As you can see an anti-inflammatory diet contains tons of healthy foods, so even if it doesn’t help with your condition directly, it can help lower your chances of having other health problems. Check out our Pinterest page for some great anti-inflammatory recipes that will not only help your joints, but your heart and your gut too!

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0020-0010_Rev-J-Instruments

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We are so excited to share an update on one of our very first Hip HemiCAP Implant recipients, Kellie who recently hit her 15-year milestone!

She says, “having the HemiCAP surgery has changed my life.”

15 years ago, in July of 2003, Kellie had her surgery, which was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon. Because she was having severe pain in her hip, which made it difficult to walk, be active, and even go to work, she opted for the joint preserving Hip HemiCAP Implant. Following the surgery, Kellie decided that she wanted to start living a more active and healthy lifestyle. Knowing that exercise and nutrition would help her achieve this goal, she was excited to get rid of the hip pain that was hindering her. After having her HemiCAP, she was able to go on long walks without having any pain and soon after the surgery she started regularly practicing yoga. Receiving the HemiCAP surgery rather than the total joint replacement allowed her to continue her active, healthy lifestyle.

Here is Kellie’s update:

“15 years ago, I was desperate for a solution to my orthopedic disability which would relieve my severe pain, allow me to enjoy an active lifestyle, and preclude me from ill-timed surgical revisions.  You could say I wanted it all. My surgeon recommended Arthrosurface’s HemiCAP implant. It gave me the solution I was looking for: no severe pain, no life of limitations, and no revision surgeries. My HemiCAP implant has made these past 15 years like a walk in a park located on 2003 Easy Street. It also gave me something else: a reason to smile. Thank you Arthrosurface!”

Kellie’s life would not have been the same had she opted for the total joint replacement. Thanks to the Arthrosurface HemiCAP implant she now gets to have an active lifestyle. Check out Kellie’s story when she was 10-years post-op below!

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When you think of causes of joint pain, most people go immediately to age, too much exercise, injury and arthritis. However, did you know that these ten things can cause or increase your joint pain?

1. Anxiety. While there are many types, anxiety disorders share a general feature of excessive fear and as a result cause behavioral and functional disturbances. What you may not know is that joint pain is a complex symptom of anxiety. There are many reasons that people who have anxiety feel increased joint pain. Stress inflammation is one of the most common issues inside the body. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are molecules that can be released by many things, one being stress. When you have anxiety you experience long-term stress, and as a result your body continually produces these cytokine molecules. Inflammation caused by these molecules cause your joints to swell and ultimately leads to more pain in your movements.

2. Weather. If you suffer from chronic pain conditions, like arthritis, you may notice that when the pressure in the air changes you feel it in your joints in the form of stiffness or tightness. As the atmospheric pressure drops, tissues in the body may expand and cause more pressure on nerves that control pain signals. Atmospheric pressure drops when a storm system develops. This is why people often claim to be able to tell when a storm is coming because they feel pain in their joints. Another reason that weather affects your joints is that temperature changes can cause fluctuations in fluid levels, which can lessen the lubrication of the joints, therefore causing increased inflammation and pain. Lastly, when the weather gets warmer, you are more likely to become dehydrated. The joint cartilage in our bodies has a high water content so when your body loses fluid and is not replenished, dehydration can occur. Without that fluid in your joints, you are more susceptible to degeneration and damage of your joints.

3. Lack of Exercise. Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to combat joint pain and arthritis. I know it may sound counterintuitive, since moving often makes your joints hurt, why would you do it? Limiting your movements will weaken your muscles. So, by exercising you strengthen the muscles near your joints and increase your range of motion and flexibility.

4. Vitamin D Deficiency. A simple vitamin deficiency may be causing your joint pain. It can be difficult to reach your recommended vitamin D intake, especially if you don’t make an active effort to get outside or eat a balanced diet. Researchers say that the longer you are deficient in vitamin D, the worse your joint pain will get. Eventually, you can develop arthritis or bone problems. Just 10-20 minutes of natural sunlight may give you the Vitamin D you need. However, if you can’t get outside, other sources of vitamin D are foods such as salmon, mushrooms, tuna, and egg yolks. Supplements are also a great way to get your daily vitamin D intake.

5. Food Allergies. While food allergies are quite common in children and often inherited, in some cases you can develop allergic reactions toward a certain food later in life. Allergic reactions occur when your immune system overreacts towards a particular food. One of the symptoms of an allergic reaction is inflammation, which ultimately causes your joints to hurt.

6. Seasonal Allergies. Joint pain is unavoidable when allergies cause inflammation. During allergy season some people suffer from inflammation because your body is working hard to flush out the foreign allergens (pollen, dust, nuts, mold and bee venom). As a result, this inflammation causes pain in your joints. Your body is very fatigued from trying to fight off the allergens and this may cause your joint pain to feel worse. Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing may also cause you to suffer from muscle, joint and neck pain. Click here to learn about how to manage your seasonal allergies to avoid joint pain.

7. Smoking Cigarettes. By now, you know that smoking cigarettes causes many negative health benefits. Add joint pain to that list! Smoking is addictive because nicotine causes the body to release dopamine, which makes you feel good. It tricks the body into feeling less pain at first however, when that feeling wears off the pain is often worse. Cigarettes also affect the body’s circulatory system and inhibit nutrients from flowing to the muscles and joints. Since your muscles help to protect your joints, when they are not receiving the proper nutrients your joints are more susceptible to pain. Back pain and neck pain are also common in smokers because of the coughing symptom that many smokers experience.

8. Obesity. Obesity means that a person’s body weight is 20% higher than it should be, and they have a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Added weight puts more pressure on your joints. Each pound of weight that you gain adds 4 pounds of pressure to your knee joints. This is why obesity is such a major risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and joint pain.

9. Alcohol. Alcohol forces your body to lose water and therefore dehydrates your ligament and tissues. Since your joints rely heavily on having sufficient fluids to move smoothly and function properly, insufficient fluids in your joints can cause agonizing pain. Drink in moderation to minimize dehydration and to allow your joints to function normally!

10. Depression. Depression is defined as sadness, not being interested in daily activities, weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, low energy levels, inability to concentrate, thoughts of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent ideas of death or suicide. Studies show that depression lowers your pain tolerance level and weakens a person’s ability to deal and cope with pain. Since people with depression are unable to deal with their joint pain, they are less likely to stick to their treatment regimens and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A 2016 study measured the CRP levels (a blood test marker for inflammation) of 10,036 people. Of those people who showed symptoms of depression, CRP levels were 31% higher than those with no depressive symptoms. So, there is a developing theory that inflammation may also be directly linked to depression.

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