By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 16, 2024 – Aching bones are more than just a sign of aging. They’re a signal from your body that something may need closer attention.

Dr. Aamir Ahmad, orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at UT Health RGV, said bone and joint issues are becoming more prevalent, especially as people age or remain physically active without proper preventative care.

“Maintaining joint health starts with being proactive,” he said. “Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consulting with specialists early can significantly prevent long-term damage.”

With cooler weather looming, October marks Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, an ideal time to focus on bone health and learn ways to prevent common issues. 

Dr. Aamir Ahmad, orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at UT Health RGV, specializes in sports medicine injuries and is the head physician for UTRGV Athletics. He is committed to providing both non-operative and surgical treatment options and believes in a compassionate and precise approach to patient care. (UTRGV Photo by Raul Gonzalez)

INJURIES AND PREVENTION

The most common bone and joint issues Ahmad encounters are soft tissue injuries, including rotator cuff tears (muscle tears to the tendons around the shoulder joint), ACL injuries (tears to the ligaments that cross in the middle of the knee), meniscus (the rubbery knee cartilage) tears, and tendinitis (tendon inflammation). 

The United States Bone and Joint Initiative reports that more than 54% of the population over 18 has some form of musculoskeletal issue. The number increases to nearly 70% for people 65 or older.

Ahmad said many people don’t realize the importance of prevention, and that building muscle strength through resistance, weight training and regular cardiovascular exercise can prevent these injuries.

“People often overlook how vital strength training is to maintain healthy joints,” he said. “It’s not just about keeping fit. It’s about protecting your joints from wear and tear.”

Athletes and active individuals are especially vulnerable to joint injuries because of the physical demands of their activities. Ahmad stressed the importance of incorporating a consistent stretching routine before competitions, and a weightlifting regime to keep muscles strong and balanced.

“Overuse injuries are common in athletes,” Ahmad said. “It's the responsibility of athletes and their coaches to ensure training doesn’t lead to long-term damage.”

VALLEY INNOVATION  

For cases where conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgery – such as hip arthroscopy and Tommy John – can significantly improve joint health.

• Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery in which small incisions are made to repair damage inside the hip joint. This procedure helps fix a tear in the labrum, a ring of cartilage around the hip, and removes any extra bone that might be causing pain or stiffness, potentially delaying the early onset of arthritis.
• Tommy John surgery is a well-known procedure, especially for baseball players, that repairs a damaged ligament in the elbow. The surgery uses a tendon from another part of the body to replace the injured ligament, allowing athletes to regain strength and movement in their arms, often helping them return to their sport.

“I’m excited to be able to provide these advanced surgeries to Valley residents,” Ahmad said. “Both hip arthroscopy and Tommy John surgery provide athletes with a second chance at full recovery and pain-free movement.”

Long-term bone and joint health is closely tied to lifestyle choices, Ahmad said, and in addition to regular exercise, posture and diet are crucial in preventing joint diseases.

He recommends an anti-inflammatory diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates.

“What you eat directly reduces inflammation in your body, which can help prevent joint pain in the long term,” he said. “Small lifestyle changes can make a big impact.”

Ahmad advises seeking medical consultation early for those experiencing early signs of joint pain or discomfort. 

“Don’t panic,” he said. “Many of these early joint issues can be treated with conservative management, including changes in lifestyle, diet and exercise. Your bones and joints are essential to your quality of life – don’t wait until there’s a problem to start caring for them.”

For more information on orthopedic care or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, visit UTHealthRGV.org.