Welcome, Dr. Nicholas B. Pearson, Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
“Our newest orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist suggests taking these steps to avoid getting sidelined by common orthopedic issues.”
Over 45 million Americans suffer from joint pain and are limited when it comes to physical activity. According to U.S. News, this number is on the rise, with about 67 million projected to suffer from moderate to severe joint pain by 2030.
The newest fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Bingham Memorial’s Orthopedic Institute, Nicholas Pearson, DO, walks us through the four major joints and gives us tips for keeping them healthy.
Shoulder Joint
Trouble spots: Overhead motions from activities such as swimming, tennis, and weightlifting or even washing walls can trigger a shoulder injury. “It’s important to keep the shoulder joint centered in the socket,” Dr. Pearson says. “The way to do this is by maintaining strong muscles around the shoulder.”
Quick tips: Do exercises and stretches that target the deltoid, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles, as well as the biceps and triceps.
Hip Joint
Trouble spots: Improper warmups before exercise can stretch or tear the muscles that support the hip joints. Older adults may experience stiffness and pain in the hip joint from osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints.
Quick tips: “Avoid overtaxing core muscles and hip flexors,” Dr. Pearson says. “Stay away from deep squats and lunges. Baby squats and baby lunges will provide the benefit of the exercise without taxing the hip joint.”
Knee Joint
Trouble spots: Have knee pain? Check your waistline. “There is clear data that obesity is not good for the joints,” Dr. Pearson says. “For every 5 pounds you lose, it feels like 25 pounds of weight loss on the knee.”
Quick tips: Exercise strengthens and stabilizes muscles around the knee. “Focus on hip flexors, abductors and quadriceps,” Dr. Pearson says.
Ankle Joint
Trouble spots: Shoes can play a big role in ankle joint health. “We see ankle problems from women squeezing into high heels,” Dr. Pearson says.
Also, high-impact activities with quick side-to-side motions stress the ankle.
Quick tips: Wear supportive, appropriately fitting shoes. Strengthen your foot muscles and shin muscles to better support your ankles.
Suffering from Joint Pain?
Blackfoot native, Nicholas Pearson, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in sports medicine. He performs life-changing surgeries, including shoulder, knee, and hip scope replacements. He sees patients in Blackfoot and Idaho Falls. To schedule a consultation at either location, call (208) 535-3626.
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