Understanding Diet and Exercise for Hip, Knee and Ankle Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis of the weight bearing joints the hip, knee, ankle and foot are directly affected by excess weight. Even the low back is affected not quite the same as load bearing lower extremity joints, the hip, knee and ankle. When degenerative arthritis affects the lower extremity joints, proper understanding of diet and appropriate exercise is important. So much so, that Dr. Lox often spends an hour discussing the subject with patients, because each patient is different.  He comes up with a customized treatment plan for each individual patient.

Every Patient is Different

This is called personalized medicine. No two patients are alike, and treating patients like they are all the same “cookie cutter” template is fraught with errors. Most Americans gained weight during Covid. Thus, lower extremity degenerative arthritis was made worse and accelerated as a result of this weight gain. 

Exercise and Knee Arthritis

Additionally, improper exercise that increases the stress on weight bearing joints, such as the hip, knee, and ankle or foot, naturally affects the degenerative arthritis cascade in these joints. Dr. Lox is an expert in Sports and Regenerative Medicine, and is well versed in helping patients understand the subtle nuances of their own personal health and desires. Many Physician’s including Cardiologists tell patients they need to walk for cardio. This is not a good idea when you have knee and hip arthritis. Walking an excessive amount will cause more wear and tear on your joints.