Orthopedic surgeon Chris Peters, MD, shared insights regarding knee and hip replacement and joint health in an interview with University of Utah Health. During the discussion, Dr. Peters addressed common concerns regarding arthritis and the impact of vigorous physical activity on joint longevity.
Dr. Peters identified arthritis as the most common knee and hip problem encountered in his practice. Regarding joint health, he stated that staying active and maintaining an ideal body weight are beneficial, while advising against activities such as cliff jumping.
When addressing the risks of high-impact sports, Dr. Peters noted that extremely high-impact, competitive athletics, such as those played by NFL players, result in a very high rate of hip and knee arthritis. He suggested that while there is not much evidence that running well into one's 50s or 60s leads to arthritis, overuse from very vigorous athletic activity can be a factor. He expressed a tendency to cringe at marathon running due to the potential for overuse, though he noted that marathon runners are typically highly conditioned and fit.
Regarding nutritional supplements for joint health, Dr. Peters advised patients to save their money, stating that in most cases, a once-a-day multivitamin is likely all that is needed.
Dr. Peters noted that joint replacement surgery is not as painful as many people believe and encouraged patients to return to living a full and active life following the procedure. He also mentioned that while some risks exist in recreational activities, they should be accepted to enjoy life.
