Managing Joint Pain Through Menopause

Healthy senior woman meditating outside

While menopause is a natural part of healthy aging, many women may find themselves struggling with increased levels of pain during this time. Whether it’s the retriggering of an old injury, frequent headaches, or increased joint pain in the shoulders, knees, or hips, the hormonal changes that come with menopause can cause additional discomfort. The good news for women experiencing pain from menopause is that you are not alone – and that there are simple things you can do to help manage it.

“I always tell my patients to view aging a gift,” says Dr. Robert Dean, founder of AROmotion. “Yes, we are going to experience changes but these things are all manageable as long as we are willing to make some minor modifications to our daily routine. The same is true for women going through menopause and experiencing new or increased joint pain.”

What Is Menopause?

 “To put it simply, menopause happens when a woman’s menstrual cycle stops and it’s typically marked one year from the cessation of monthly periods,” says Dean. “While this is a natural progression of the female body, it can come with symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, and increased pain. It’s important for women going through menopause to talk openly with their doctors because these symptoms can be treated for less disruption to everyday life.”

According to Dr. Dean, the average age for menopause is the early 50’s although this can vary widely based on factors such as genetics, underlying health conditions, and hormone levels.

What Is the Connection Between Menopause and Joint Pain?

“These symptoms occur because the body is responding to lower levels of hormones – specifically, estrogen and progesterone,” says Dean. “Estrogen plays a key role in helping to manage inflammation. So, as your levels drop, you may experience increased joint pain especially in your knees, hips, and shoulders.”

Thankfully, the stigma around menopause has been lifting, with more doctors sharing information and tips for managing the symptoms and more patients sharing their personal stories.

“Menopause is something that every woman will go through, so it is something we should embrace and discuss openly,” says Dr. Dean. “If you are going through menopause and experiencing an increase in joint pain, it’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor because there are things that can be done to manage the pain.”

While prescription and over-the-counter medications will vary from patient to patient, Dr. Dean has a short checklist for his patients to help them manage their joint pain during menopause:

Keep moving. You don’t have to run a marathon or turn in an hour of cardio at the gym. 30 minutes of low-impact movement each day will help loosen your joints and muscles while also burning extra calories. You can make it social by going out for a brisk walk with your significant other, friends, or your pup. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine to ensure you are protecting the areas of your body that are sensitive to pain.

Watch what you eat. It’s no secret that our metabolisms change as we age, and with menopause comes the potential to gain weight more easily – and weight gain can take a toll on your joints. This does not mean that you have to deprive yourself; rather, you just need balance! Fill up with lean proteins like fish and chicken alongside seasoned veggies; avoid processed foods and refined sugars; drink plenty of water. And indulge from time to time with a glass or two of heart-healthy wine or some dark chocolate!

Find your calm. Aging can feel stressful at times, especially as we learn to adapt to new ways of healthy living. Don’t let the stress get the best of you! Make time to relax both your body and mind to reduce tension and worry. Some helpful activities include gentle yoga, using a meditation app, journaling, taking a hot bath, or treating yourself to a spa day. Hint – regular massages can also do wonders for helping to manage pain!

Sleep. The idea that we need less sleep as we age is just a myth. Most adults need at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel good the next day. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit the use of electronics in the bedroom, and make sure you are sleeping on a comfortable and supportive mattress. If it’s more than 15 years old….it’s probably time for a new one!

“Everyone deserves to age healthily and happily,” says Dr. Dean. “Changes like menopause are inevitable, so why not embrace them and enjoy the ride while doing what we can to keep pain at bay?”

If you are going through menopause and are struggling to manage your joint pain, or if you have been living with chronic knee, hip or shoulder pain, AROmotion may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for our non-surgical treatment that has helped more than 1,800 patients stop their joint pain fast.

By entering your information and clicking Submit, you are consenting to be contacted by our company representatives by phone, email, text/SMS, and through the use of automatic telephone dialing systems and prerecorded messages at the number(s) and email address(es) listed above even if your number provided on the form above is on a National or State Do Not Call List. Your consent does not require you to purchase any goods and/or services and you understand that you are not required to sign this authorization to receive services.

Your Spring Forward Checklist

Spring flowers blooming

Spring is almost here! As we prepare for longer days and warmer temperatures, we can also look forward to more time spent outdoors which can have a positive impact on our mood, health, and wellbeing. And, with many Americans getting ready to move their clocks ahead an hour this coming weekend, now is a great time to start adjusting your daily routine to welcome more hours of daylight and the new season that’s ahead.

“Spring is the season of new beginnings, and it’s a great time to think about adjusting your daily routine accordingly,” says AROmotion’s founder, Dr. Robert Dean. “I have a go-to Spring Forward Checklist that I start working through this time every year. Not only does it help me and my patients get ahead of the time change for minimal disruption to sleep, but it also helps us prepare to get the most out of the upcoming season.”

Are you ready to Spring Forward? Here is Dr. Dean’s checklist to help you prepare:

  • Adjust Your Sleep Schedule: As we get ready to spring forward, our bodies will start to feel the effects of daylight saving time. Start by setting your alarm for 15-20 min earlier and every few days adjust it by 10-15 minutes until getting up an hour earlier feels natural. It’s best to start adjusting our sleep schedules prior so that we aren’t left feeling groggy and sleepy when we’d rather be outside enjoying more sunshine!
  • Hydrate: Challenge yourself to add more water into your daily routine! Start your day with a glass, finish two glasses with every meal, or carry a water bottle with you at all times – make it a priority! With nicer weather, more sunshine and being more active, your body is going to need much more hydration.
  • Prep Your Garden or Yard: As temperatures rise, it’s a good time to get your yard and gardens prepped and ready! This is a great way to soak up more vitamin D while getting some extra exercise. Clean up a few things here and there every day so that when the weather is more consistent, you can get right to the fun stuff versus focusing on cleaning up all at once.
  • Add in Seasonal Foods: Time to check out your farmers market to see what fresh fruits and veggies are finally back in season! This is a great way to support your local community while adding more nutrients back into your diet. Foods that are grown and consumed during their appropriate seasons are more nutritionally dense and actually taste better! Some favorites you should be on the lookout for this spring include: apricots, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, kiwi, mushrooms, onions, pineapples, and many more you can find here.
  • Refresh Your Bedding: We are all well aware of “Spring Cleaning” and all that goes into decluttering our homes. But what we often miss are things like bed sheets, pillows, blankets and towels! After being cozied up all winter it’s a great time to change these things out to be better fitted for spring. Try swapping out your heavy comforter and sheets for something lighter and more breathable to help you sleep more comfortably through the night. Make sure to wash and change out your pillow protectors and blankets so that all those winter germs don’t roll over into spring! It may feel like extra additions to your cleaning list, but it’ll make a huge difference!
  • Stock Up on Sun Protection: As we get ready to be outside more after being cooped up all winter, we also need to make sure we protect ourselves! Be sure to add sunscreen to your next shopping list and apply anytime you plan to be outside for extended periods of time. Also, be sure to treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses or a new hat to protect your eyes from all that sunshine we missed out on during winter. Springtime won’t be so enjoyable if we’re left tending to sunburn and eye pain!

“This is such a great time of the year because the increased daylight will have a positive impact on our moods,” says Dr. Dean. “It’s important to take the time to prepare for the shift so we can get the most  out of the new season ahead.”

Can you feel the sunshine yet? By following Dr. Dean’s Spring Forward checklist, you’ll be ready to soak it up and enjoy a healthy and happy spring!

Are you living with chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain that’s preventing you from getting outside and doing what you love? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for our non-surgical treatment that has helped more than 1,800 patients stop their joint pain fast.

By entering your information and clicking Submit, you are consenting to be contacted by our company representatives by phone, email, text/SMS, and through the use of automatic telephone dialing systems and prerecorded messages at the number(s) and email address(es) listed above even if your number provided on the form above is on a National or State Do Not Call List. Your consent does not require you to purchase any goods and/or services and you understand that you are not required to sign this authorization to receive services.

Bone On Bone Knee Pain: Know Your Options

X-Ray of Bone On Bone Knee

One of the most common conditions that we treat at AROmotion in bone on bone knee pain. When patients are first diagnosed with this condition, many feel overwhelmed or unsure of the best path forward to manage the pain and prevent further joint damage. And, while many are told that total joint replacement surgery is their only option for relief, there are alternatives that are important to explore before making the commitment to invasive surgery. In this article, we talk with AROmotion’s founder Dr. Robert Dean to learn all about bone on bone knee pain, what to expect from total joint replacement surgery, and what options patients have to return to pain-free motion without surgery.

We hear the term “bone on bone” a lot when it comes to knee pain, but what exactly does this diagnosis mean?

This term is used to describe severe osteoarthritis in the joint, which is caused by a reduction in cartilage that results in inflammation. Most people are familiar with the term cartilage, but it’s important to understand what it is and what it does. Cartilage is a smooth, flexible, and resilient tissue that protects the ends of your bones at the joints – including your knees. Think of it as protective padding to help keep your knees moving properly! Osteoarthritis happens when this cartilage starts to wear down over time, eventually removing the padding between bones causing them to rub on one another. If not treated and managed properly, this can become very painful and drastically limit movement – which of course can impact the quality of your day-to-day life.

What can patients who receive a bone on bone knee diagnosis do to help manage the pain?

I always recommend that patients with this diagnosis work with their doctors to develop the best treatment plan so the condition does not continue to worsen. Remember, you don’t always feel the progression of osteoarthritis! That said, there are things that patients can do to help manage the pain such as managing their weight, as carrying extra weight can cause strain on your knee joints, following a steady low-impact exercise routine to strengthen and condition the impacted joint, and using over the counter medications and supplements to help reduce pain and inflammation.

What should patients do if they are told that total joint replacement surgery is their best or only option?

Patients should always get a second opinion before committing to any type of invasive surgery. There are risks and complications involved that, if possible, should be avoided if alternate treatments are available. Remember, total joint replacement surgery involves undergoing anesthesia, hospital stays, long recover times, and the risks associated with surgical implants. And total joint replacement surgery is not always a long-term solution. For patients that decide to proceed with total joint replacement surgery, it’s very important to know what questions to ask your surgeon, which I wrote about in a recent blog post.

Where can patients go for a second opinion?

While you can always seek out other reputable orthopedic specialists, patients should also look into non-surgical options to see if these will work. At AROmotion, we have treated many patients with a bone on bone knee pain diagnosis, and the first step we always take is to go through an in-depth free consultation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for our procedure. We have a very high success rate because of our careful screening process through these consultations, and if I feel that a patient would be better treated through surgery versus our procedure, I will let them know and give them that assurance they need.

For many patients, a bone on bone knee pain diagnosis feels pretty scary. What’s your advice for these patients?

I always tell my patients that aging is a gift, and we must approach it with gratitude but also with the understanding that we’ll have to make some lifestyle changes to stay healthy. This includes managing joint pain that comes with aging. Simple things like what we eat, getting daily movement that’s low-impact, and prioritizing self-care can go a long way to keeping us healthy and pain-free as we age. At the same time, if the pain is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, you should always be open and honest with your doctors so you can treat the pain before it worsens. Remember, attitude goes a long way when it comes to our health and wellness!

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bone on bone knee pain, AROmotion may be able to help you avoid invasive surgery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for our non-surgical treatment that has helped more than 1,800 patients stop their joint pain fast.

By entering your information and clicking Submit, you are consenting to be contacted by our company representatives by phone, email, text/SMS, and through the use of automatic telephone dialing systems and prerecorded messages at the number(s) and email address(es) listed above even if your number provided on the form above is on a National or State Do Not Call List. Your consent does not require you to purchase any goods and/or services and you understand that you are not required to sign this authorization to receive services.