El Paso is witnessing a surge in community fitness activities, with residents of all ages joining running clubs and participating in recreational walks. This active lifestyle trend is commendable, but it’s essential to understand how to manage potential joint discomfort that may arise from increased physical activity.
Karim “Dr. Shark” Elsharkawy, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso and associate professor at the Foster School of Medicine shares valuable insights on maintaining an active lifestyle while prioritizing joint health.
Listening to Your Body: When to Push and When to Pause
Dr. Elsharkawy notes that the El Paso community is becoming increasingly active, which is a positive trend. However, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of joint problems and understanding when to seek medical advice.
Many recreational athletes experience joint pain or discomfort due to improper conditioninginadequate preparation or overuse. To mitigate these issues, Dr. Elsharkawy recommends a gradual approach to training, proper footwear, and avoiding persistent pain. He advises, “Many people are eager to go all out when they start training, but starting slow is more effective.”
Warming up before any physical activity is crucial. Dr. Elsharkawy warns, “Even at the beginning, you’ve got to warm up because if you don’t, you’re more than likely to injure something or pull a muscle.” Occasional soreness after activity is normal, but lingering pain, swelling, and stiffness may indicate a more serious issue.
Warning Signs of Joint Problems
Key warning signs include pain that persists after activity, even after icing or taking medication, difficulty sleeping, trouble getting out of a chair, swelling, or noticeable changes in leg alignment. Dr. Elsharkawy advises, “If the pain is getting to the point where it limits your activities, go see a specialist.”
Preventing and Managing Osteoarthritis
Dr. Elsharkawy frequently sees patients with osteoarthritis a degenerative joint disease influenced by genetics, prior joint injuries, and metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity. While osteoarthritis is common in older adults, Dr. Elsharkawy assures that it’s not an inevitable part of aging.
Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar are lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Dr. Elsharkawy emphasizes, “Many people delay seeking care because they assume arthritis is simply part of aging. However, advances in treatment and recovery have improved outcomes.”
Advancements in Orthopedic Surgery
One such advancement is robotic-assisted surgery a minimally invasive procedure used in joint replacements. This technology offers patients reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays. Some patients can even return home the day after surgery.
Dr. Elsharkawy encourages people not to ignore persistent symptoms. He stresses, “The main thing is seeking consultation early. It’s much easier to deal with some situations when they’re caught early rather than after they’ve become advanced.”
For more information about orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation services at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, visit or call 915-215-5400.