LOVING YOUR HIPS AND KNEES BY GETTING UP AND MOVING

by Dr. Brian Nwannunu, Orthopedic Surgeon

One of the greatest gifts of retirement is freedom; the freedom to travel, to explore hobbies, to spend time with loved ones, and to enjoy life at your own pace. At the center of all that freedom are two joints we often take for granted until they start to complain: your hips and knees.

As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, I spend my days helping people get back to the activities they love. One message I share with every patient is simple and encouraging: motion is medicine when done wisely.

Why Movement Matters

Your hips and knees are designed to move. Regular activity helps keep the cartilage nourished, the surrounding muscles strong, and your balance sharp. Staying active can reduce stiffness, maintain independence, and even improve mood and energy levels.

Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, gardening, and golf are all excellent ways to keep your joints healthy. The goal isn’t intense workouts or pushing through pain, it’s consistent, enjoyable movement that keeps you engaged with life.

Listening to Your Body

That said, loving your hips and knees also means listening to them.

A little soreness after a new activity is normal. Persistent pain, swelling, stiffness that lasts for hours, or pain that limits your sleep or daily activities is not something to ignore. These can be signs of arthritis or other joint conditions that deserve attention.

Many people believe joint pain is just “part of getting older” and something they must live with. I want to reassure you, that simply isn’t true. Today, we have a wide range of treatments that can dramatically improve comfort and function.

When to Seek Expert Advice

If hip or knee pain is holding you back from traveling, exercising, or enjoying everyday activities, it may be time to consult a hip and knee specialist. Seeing a specialist does not automatically mean surgery. In fact, many patients find

relief with personalized exercise programs, activity modification, medications, or injections.

And when surgery is the right answer, modern hip and knee replacement procedures are highly successful. My goal with every patient is not just pain relief, but restoring confidence in movement so you can get back to living fully.

A Partnership for Lifelong Mobility

Think of joint health as a partnership. You bring the commitment to stay active and pay attention to your body. We, as specialists, bring the expertise to guide you when pain or limitation appears.

Whether you’re strolling through a new city, chasing grandchildren, or enjoying a morning walk with friends, your hips and knees make it all possible. Treat them kindly. Keep them moving. And don’t hesitate to seek help when they ask for it.

Here’s to staying active, independent, and in motion at every stage of life.

Movement Tips for Happy Hips and Knees

• Start your day with gentle motion. A short walk or light stretching in the morning helps reduce stiffness and “lubricates” the joints.

• Choose low-impact activities. Walking, swimming, water aerobics, cycling, and elliptical machines are easier on your joints while still keeping you active.

• Strength supports your joints. Light strength training for the thighs, hips, and core helps take pressure off your knees and hips.

• Pace yourself. It’s okay to take breaks. Listen to your body and avoid pushing through sharp or worsening pain.

• Use supportive footwear. Proper shoes can significantly reduce joint stress and improve balance.

• Pain is information. Occasional soreness is normal but persistent pain, swelling, or limping is a sign to seek professional advice.