Grabbing onto the cold steel can bring a rush of adrenaline, the secret stuff she needs to get over the edge during a grueling day of training. It can bring a sudden wave of anxiety, the weightlifter’s ever-present thought that she has plateaued. But the bar also can deliver a flood of memories, things Amber has overcome — personally and professionally — on her journey to become a six-time Kentucky state weightlifting record holder.

“I’ve had a traveling husband; I’m also a mom of four,” Amber said. “And [my time in the gym] was the time of the day I could take out for me. And there are things I learned about myself I didn’t know I was capable of. I worked through injury. I worked through being home with my kids. I worked through a lot of hardships. I lived in a dark place about myself for a really long time. Sometimes I would have the bar in hands and I’d just cry.”

‘I learned a lot about myself’

It can be heavy.

Not just the weights on the bar, which Amber will eventually grab, thrust and lift above her head. Not just the pressures of life, which can build up over time. But physically, Amber was not at her best either.

“I used to weigh over 400 pounds, and I still — to this day — sometimes feel like I weigh over 400 pounds,” she said. “It’s been a hard road. I learned a lot about myself.”

Her weight, and the chronic back pain it caused, was the driving force behind her introduction to fitness coach Gary Esparza. She came to his CrossFit gym in 2016, looking for a way out of that back pain and into a better, healthier way of life. Instantly, their partnership blossomed way beyond expectations, as Amber shed the weight and packed on the power.

“I saw some promise in her movement patterns, and I thought to myself that I could get her into weightlifting,” Gary said.

Amber transformed quickly. She became an employee at the gym, as a way to fund her workouts. Speaking of, she took to the exercises Gary prescribed and began increasing how much she could lift. In 2022, she took another step, and began competing in Olympic-style weightlifting through USA Weightlifting. Four years in, she’s earned two bronze medals at national competitions and set six Kentucky state records. In 2023, she set the record in three categories – the snatch, clean and jerk, and total — in the 35 to 39 age bracket. In 2024, she set records in the same three categories in the 40 to 44 age bracket.

“Making it to nationals was wild,” Amber said. “I never thought I’d be at a national competition, let alone competing at all.”

‘What I celebrate with her …’

“The numbers she hits, I don’t necessarily celebrate too much,” Gary said. “What I celebrate with her is when I see her get out of her head and look at present-day Amber and not past Amber. That’s what gets me hyped up. The numbers are an expectation, like ‘Sis, you’re going to hit these numbers.’ And she does. But what gets me is seeing her truly become her best self.”

But through success, Amber was dealing with a major issue. Her wrist was in pain.

It had nagged her for years, dating back to her teenage days as a cheerleader. The pain worsened as she lifted heavier weight. Then one day, during the jerk movement of the clean and jerk lift, she “caught it wrong.” From there, she dealt with constant pain, adapting her training schedule and regimen to keep the pressure off her wrist as best she could.

“I would compete through the pain,” Amber said. “We would stop doing anything that would aggravate it, which was a lot. Then once we’d get close to competition time, it was just like ‘OK, you’ve got to do it in pain.’ And that’s what I would do. And then finally it got to a point where it hurt to touch a barbell. I couldn’t open a jar. I couldn’t touch a bar. It broke my heart.”

The pain became unbearable in 2024, after nationals.

After several doctor visits and unsuccessful injections, in summer 2024 she was introduced to Luke P. Robinson, M.D., orthopedic hand surgeon at Norton Arm & Hand Institute. Dr. Robinson diagnosed Amber with a torn scapholunate, the ligament in the wrist that connects the scaphoid and lunate bones, essential for stability and movement. It was the same injury Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow experienced in 2023.

Amber and Dr. Robinson talked about her options. They tried injections. But when those didn’t take, the pair decided Amber needed arthroscopic surgery to repair her wrist. It was a tough decision, because the 2025 national competition was just months away. Amber knew she wanted to compete and needed Dr. Robinson to fix her in time.

“Right off the bat, she was like, ‘My wrist hurts, and my problem is I want to be on the podium and right now I can’t be there,’” Dr. Robinson said. “That was her goal. She was trying to be a state champ and trying to compete nationally and internationally. Her goals are different from almost anyone else I take care of. So we had to act fast.”

‘That’s what it’s all about’

Dr. Robinson performed successful surgery Sept. 3, 2024.

Amber started occupational therapy immediately and went back to her training regimen, modified to prevent any strain or movement on her wrist. Six weeks later, with Dr. Robinson’s OK, Amber was back with a barbell in her hand preparing for April’s national competition. Training gained steam quickly, and she built up enough strength to make it to nationals this past spring.

While she didn’t make the podium, Amber had a successful competition. She qualified for the 2025 World Championships, scheduled in December. She also broke her own state records from 2024. Overall, it was an encouraging performance for someone who, just a few months ago, didn’t know what her weightlifting future would look like.

“While I was injured, I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to compete again,” Amber said. “After the surgery, everything just felt so locked up. I just didn’t know if I was going to get the range of motion I needed back. And there were tears. There were definitely tears. There were definitely times of [telling myself], ‘I’m not going to be able to do this.’ But it’s amazing how much support I had through the process.”

This summer, Amber and Gary are back in the gym, working toward December. The wrist is feeling better than it has in months, though she does check back in periodically with Dr. Robinson. But the results have shown themselves. Numbers she could only clear during competitions, she now is routinely hitting during training sessions.

Her goals are more within her grasp than ever before, thanks to hard work and a surgeon focused on getting her grip back.

“It was cool that when I saw Dr. Robinson [for the first time], he knew what I was talking about,” Amber said. “At my old orthopedist, he didn’t know what I do. But Dr. Robinson walked in and said, ‘My team says you lift and do clean and jerks and snatches. That’s really cool. So, what do we need?’ So, it was cool to have that relationship from the beginning.”

“That’s what it’s all about,” Dr. Robinson said. “It’s wonderful being able to see someone who comes to you and says, ‘Hey, I need some help,’ and you can give them the help they’re looking for and ultimately, the result they’re aiming for. And it’s great when you have a patient who’s motivated and dedicated, and I don’t think anything is going to stop her from getting where she wants to go. I’m glad to be a part of that and help get her to the level she’s looking for.”

The post Wrist surgery helps record-holding weightlifter regain her grip and her strength appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Norton Arm & Hand Institute is first in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region to offer the new implant, which removes less bone than conventional thumb joint replacement and shortens recovery time from months to weeks.

Age and injury wear away the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the bones that make up the carpometacarpal joint. (,It’s also sometimes called the basal joint or CMC joint). Less cartilage means more bone-to-bone contact and damaged joint surfaces and that means pain and less range of motion.

Early treatment for thumb osteoarthritis includes medication, splinting and physical therapy. Steroid injections into the thumb joint can be very effective at first but will decline over time.

Once nonsurgical options for severe thumb arthritis are exhausted and you’re ready to consider surgery, thumb joint replacement might be something to discuss with your medical provider.

Much like other joint replacements, a thumb joint replacement involves replacing the joint bones. The new surgery, pioneered locally by hand surgeon Antony Hazel, M.D., with Norton Arm & Hand Institute, works similarly, but saves more bone than traditional joint replacements.

Advantages over traditional thumb arthroplasty (joint replacement)

Traditional thumb joint replacement has been similar to a total knee or hip replacement —where the ends of the damaged bones are removed and new pieces are secured in place. This has meant complete removal of the trapezium — one of the small bones that make up the wrist joint.

The new thumb surgery, using the BioPro Modular Thumb Implant, burrs out a new socket in the trapezium bone, and the implant is placed in the end of the metacarpal bone (the long thumb bone that meets your wrist). The implant fits neatly into the newly formed socket. Because of the implant’s modular design, your surgeon can choose the precise size to replicate your natural joint. The implant also has shown to be less prone to dislocation, a complication of traditional implant techniques.

Recovery from the surgical procedure typically takes eight to 12 weeks, versus up to a year for traditional thumb replacement. Also, because the trapezium is intact, revision surgery is possible later if necessary.

“For many patients, the prospect of up to a year of recovery time after the hand surgery has been a drawback,” Dr. Hazel said. “This new thumb arthroplasty cuts that to as little as a couple months, with rehab starting after two to four weeks of casting.”

Traditional thumb joint replacement surgery still may be the right approach for some patients and has proven to be effective over the past 40 years. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) involves removing all or part of the trapezium and reconstructing your thumb joint with a tendon. The tendon graft is also used to help stabilize the reconstructed thumb joint.

LRTI has a 96% success rate, with most patients achieving complete thumb pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Other thumb arthritis surgery options include:

• Denervation to remove pain signals without any direct changes to the joint
• Fusing the thumb joint bones together to relieve pain, but limiting movement

The post New thumb joint replacement procedure offers faster recovery appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

His last name traces back to the Kentucky frontiersman Daniel Boone, legendary for his wilderness exploits. Given that family history, no wonder Eddie loves spending time in nature.

The career electrician built his Nelson County log home with his bare hands back in the ’70s. If you look closely, you can see Bernheim Forest from his back deck. And, adorning the walls are elk busts and antlers, memories of family hunting and backpacking trips as far west as Alaska.

“It’s always fun to know that [my family] can enjoy the outdoors as well, and I used to say I’ve got to be in shape enough to make the trek,” Eddie said.

In 2019, Eddie and his family drove to Dotsero, Colorado, for a horseback hunting trip. While driving through the mountains, Eddie noticed his left shoulder would seemingly catch when he turned the steering wheel.

“Extensive driving became a problem,” he said. “Maybe [it was] the hills and stuff out there, but I was noticing a little trouble then.”

Then it got worse. Eddie couldn’t saddle his own horse. He knew he had a bigger issue. He was losing hope.

“I was thinking, ‘Something’s got to change,’” Eddie said.

‘My shoulder was completely damaged’

Eddie started conservative treatments on his shoulder.

He began a series of injections, both with and without steroids. He tried dry needling, a physical therapy treatment that involves inserting thin needles. Those treatments worked, but only for a short time.

“I didn’t know my shoulder was completely damaged,” Eddie said. “I’ve had several shots, but … every time I had that, it would only help it for a little while, and then it would get worse.”

Making matters more complicated was the damage in Eddie’s knees, both of which needed to be surgically repaired. He put off the shoulder issue for a little while longer and visited Chad E. Smith, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute. In robotic-assisted surgeries, Dr. Smith repaired both of Eddie’s knees.

Meanwhile, the pain in Eddie’s shoulder only worsened. It affected his everyday life.

“Even though I’m right-handed, you don’t realize how much that left hand assists everything you do,” he said. “And one major thing right now that I notice is just trying to do anything toward your belt — getting your pants on the right way, or even getting them on, period. Putting a shirt on. Brushing your hair. All this is normal stuff that is showing me I’ve got to have my shoulder better than it’s been.”

He was introduced to Justin M. Givens, M.D., shoulder and elbow orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute, who determined Eddie was a candidate for a reverse shoulder replacement.

“He had a big rotator cuff tear that was unrepairable,” Dr. Givens said. “He had arthritic changes. And so, you have two issues going on that the reverse shoulder replacement was specifically made for. And then you say, ‘OK, is it affecting his life?’ He can’t lift his arm. He’s in terrible pain. He can’t sleep at night. So for me, that’s someone who has an injury we have a fix for and has an issue that’s significantly affecting his life.”

‘We’ve never had this level of accuracy’

Dr. Givens and Eddie discussed the options and determined Eddie was a candidate for an innovative shoulder procedure. Eddie was a candidate for robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement.

This new technology is designed to elevate Dr. Givens’ control and confidence by providing him with a 3D image of the patient’s unique shoulder anatomy. Dr. Givens then can study those 3D simulations before surgery and view them on a screen during the procedure. The robotic arm assists him in shaving down the patient’s glenoid (shoulder socket), creating the ideal surface for the implant. From there, the robotic arm’s capabilities help ensure that the implant is positioned within the preplanned boundaries, while aiming for improved accuracy. The goal is to allow for a more natural range of motion and better long-term outcomes for patients.

In March 2025, Dr. Givens became one of the first five surgeons in the country — and the first in Kentucky — to perform this procedure.

“This technology gives me precision to ensure every cut and movement is exactly what the individual patient needs,” Dr. Givens said. “We’ve never had this level of accuracy before in this field. Now, the procedures we’ve theorized can be put into practice. And for me, when I’m talking about trying to give you the best outcome, and I have technology that can get within 0.1 millimeters of precision, it’s a pretty easy decision to make.”

Eddie, who’d had the two robotic-assisted surgeries performed on his knees, knew the benefits of the new technology and agreed to have it done. So on March 19, 2025, Dr. Givens performed the successful robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement.

“If there’s a medical procedure to fix this, then I’m all for it,’” Eddie said. “And Dr. Givens came up with this diagnosis that [my shoulder] is completely shot, and told me he’s got a new robotic application. Like I said, I’m ready for it. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

‘Technology needs to be the major push’

In the first two weeks since surgery, Eddie already has seen dramatic improvement. He was out of his sling in just seven days. His range of motion is returning closer to normal by the day.

“This is something that I was not able to do just a few days ago,” Eddie said as he swung his arm around.

Now, Eddie’s goal is to rest up, continue his physical therapy regimen and eventually get back to the outdoors, spending time hiking, hunting and fishing with his family. He also wants others to know there is hope for them too, if they’re experiencing daily pain.

“I hope they can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel as far as your health goes. If you can just stay with it and be lucky enough to run across good surgeons, like Dr. Smith and Dr. Givens. And the technology needs to be the major push, as far as I’m concerned, because of the accuracy, and this is a pretty good show of it.”

The post New robotic-assisted shoulder replacement gives Nelson County man new outlook on life appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Justin M. Givens, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute, is among the first five surgeons in the country — and the first in Kentucky — to perform a new groundbreaking, robotic-arm assisted reverse shoulder replacement surgery with Mako SmartRobotics. This procedure hopes to offer a higher degree of precision and accuracy compared with traditional methods.

“It’s an honor to be among the first to use this technology,” Dr. Givens said. “This new procedure allows me to give my patients a level of accuracy unlike any other. It’s a more personalized approach to each patient’s needs, which can lead to improved results and faster recovery times.”

The technology is designed to elevate the surgeon’s control and confidence by providing the surgeon with a 3D image of the patient’s unique shoulder anatomy. Dr. Givens can then study the 3D simulations before surgery and view them on a screen during the procedure. The robotic arm assists him in shaving down the patient’s glenoid (shoulder socket), creating the new surface and inserting the implant.

“I still do the approach, meaning I make the incision and move the soft tissue, nerves and veins out of the way,” Dr. Givens said. “But now, the technology helps me to know the movements I’m making are exactly the ones I want to make. This gives us precision to ensure every cut and movement is exactly what the individual patient needs.”

The robotic arm’s capabilities help provide enhanced feedback to ensure the implant is positioned within the preplanned boundaries, while aiming for improved accuracy. The goal is to allow for a more natural range of motion and better long-term outcomes for patients.

“We’ve never had this level of accuracy before in this field,” Dr. Givens said. “Now, the procedures we’ve theorized can be put into practice, and that’s why it’s so exciting to be at the forefront of innovation.”

Reverse shoulder replacement is ideal for patients with severe arthritis, rotator cuff tears or other degenerative shoulder conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments. Furthermore, shoulder arthroplasty (reconstruction or replacement) is the fastest-growing joint arthroplasty in the U.S. According to Dr. Givens, more than 90% of patients are satisfied with their replacements, but doctors are consistently striving for more accuracy and reproducibility to improve that number and help patients achieve a higher level of satisfaction in a shorter amount of time.

Dr. Givens’ orthopedic surgery practice is focused on shoulder and elbow care, including arthroscopy, fracture repair, and joint replacement and revision. In 2024, he performed more than 150 shoulder arthroplasties and anticipates performing more than 200 in 2025.

“My goal is to restore the shoulder to where it’s supposed to be and allow my patients to get back to their normal activities,” Dr. Givens said. “I want my patients to go back to living their normal lives as soon as possible, and this new technology is another tool that will allow them to do so.”

The post Norton Orthopedic Institute surgeon performs new robotic-assisted shoulder replacement appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

What is hip replacement surgery?
The amount of pain you experience after surgery may depend on several factors, including type of surgery, the implants used and your overall health.

“Joint replacement procedures have a certain amount of discomfort no matter what,” Dr. Himschoot said.

There are different types of hip replacement or partial replacement surgeries. There are also hip resurfacing procedures that cap the bones with metal or ceramic implants, instead of replacing them with a synthetic joint. The goal of a hip replacement, either total or partial, is to restore or maintain movement and flexibility in the joint.

The causes of hip pain and damage can include:

• Osteoarthritis, which commonly occurs with normal everyday activity over time: Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage at the ends of the bones and helps joints move smoothly.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system, which creates inflammation that can erode cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in joint damage.
• Osteonecrosis is a less common condition, when there isn’t enough blood supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint, which can cause the bone to collapse and deform.

You also may need a partial or total hip replacement if you injure the joint. Hip fractures are more common as we age, especially in women. 

Hip replacement may be an option if your chronic pain:

• Persists, despite pain medication
• Worsens with walking, even with a cane or walker
• Interferes with sleep
• Affects the ability to walk up or down stairs
• Makes it difficult to rise from sitting down

Your doctor can help you decide whether you’re ready for joint replacement surgery.

Pain during and after hip surgery

You will be given anesthesia (pain management) for the surgery. Depending on your specific situation, you may be given a regional anesthetic, which blocks nerves to a certain part of your body. You are still awake during the procedure, but you may have a light sedative to help you relax. You may be given a general anesthetic, which acts on the brain and nervous system and puts your body to sleep. 

Immediately after surgery, you will spend time in recovery. There will be some pain and soreness at the incision site. There may be some bruising, and you may feel very tired. Your pain will be monitored and managed by hospital staff. You will get up to walk as soon as possible after the operation, using a cane or walker. Many people report feeling more pain on the second day after surgery.

“The goal is to stay a step ahead of your pain with ice or pain medication,” Dr. Himschoot said. “You will go home with prescriptions for your pain management and directions on how to use those medications, as well as other pain relief techniques.”

Your experience will be unique to you, but many people report:

• Discomfort in the hip for one to three months after surgery
• Discontinuing pain medication one to four weeks after surgery
• Resuming normal activity, with possible mild discomfort, in about six months
• Being pain free in about a year

Recovering from a hip replacement

Hip replacement recovery also may include:

•  Physical therapy (PT): You will start PT in the hospital after surgery and continue for several months. This includes stretches for mobility and strengthening exercises for the muscles around the new hip. 
• Assistive devices such as a walker or cane
• Nondrug approaches like ice, heat or massage.
• Medications including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) or other medicine.

Hip replacement recovery experiences vary from person to person. Factors that affect your pain levels include:

• Your individual tolerance for pain and discomfort
• Age, health and overall fitness level
• How well you follow your doctor’s instructions for your recovery after surgery, including for physical therapy and medications

Your surgeon and the rest of your medical team will be there to guide you through your hip replacement recovery and beyond. 

If you or a loved one has questions about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery and other replacement procedures, ask your doctor. They can help dispel myths about joint replacement, assess whether you may be a good candidate for hip surgery and help you choose an orthopedic surgeon.

The post Many factors affect how much pain you may have after joint replacement: Age, overall health and more appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

New knee replacement technology is allowing surgeons to create a more natural-feeling joint, while getting you home sooner and started on your recovery. 

A total knee replacement, sometimes called total knee arthroplasty, may be necessary after arthritis has developed to the point that too much cartilage has worn away and you have bone-on-bone contact causing knee pain. A partial knee replacement describes having just one side of the knee joint replaced, often to treat an injury.

“While the aim of knee replacement surgery remains unchanged — relieving pain and helping patients return to an active life — today’s technology makes the procedure more precise and personalized,” Dr. Khalily said. “We still replace the worn joint surfaces, but now use advanced robotics, custom 3D-printed implants and smart sensors to optimize each patient’s results.”

Dr. Khalily was the first person in the world to perform a Food and Drug Administration-approved cementless total knee replacement with the CORI robotic-assisted system.

Today’s advances

Robotic-assisted surgery

Think of it like GPS for your surgeon. Using real-time imaging and computer guidance, surgeons now can plan and perform total knee replacement surgery with greater precision, tailored to your exact knee anatomy. This helps ensure better alignment and implant positioning, potentially improving longer-lasting results.

3D printed custom implants

Just like getting a custom-fitted suit, your knee replacement now can be made specifically for you. Using 3D printing, surgeons can create implants that match your knee’s unique shape and size. This is especially helpful for complex cases or revision surgery.

Smart knee implants

These high-tech implants contain tiny sensors that track how your new knee is working. Your doctor can monitor your recovery remotely, adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed and spot potential issues early. This means fewer in-person follow-up visits and more personalized recovery care.

On the horizon

Augmented reality

Surgeons are beginning to use augmented reality technology — similar to what’s used in some video games — to see detailed 3D images of your knee during surgery. This technology helps them place implants with even greater accuracy.

More outpatient surgeries

Thanks to these advances and better pain management, many knee replacements are now done as outpatient procedures. This means you may go home the same day as your surgery. By 2026, more than half of all shoulder, knee and hip replacement are expected to be outpatient procedures.

The post The latest knee replacement technology in 2025 appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Kevin J. Himschoot, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute, suggests thinking about the following:

Pain

Does your pain in your hip come and go? Does it occur only during strenuous activity? Or is it constant hip pain that interferes with daily life?

If your pain comes and goes, you’re likely not ready for surgery. The good news: There are some nonsurgical ways to get pain relief. These may include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections for pain relief. Physical therapy exercises and stretches can improve strength and mobility by loosening muscles, ligaments or the hip joint capsule — ligaments and fibers that surround the joint. 

Read more: Don’t ignore these 5 symptoms of joint pain

Age and activity

Next, think about your age and activity level. If you are active and would like to stay active for many years to come, a hip replacement may make that possible. Surgeons are performing joint replacement surgery on younger patients than they have in the past. However, surgery typically will not be considered until you are in your 50s. Also, unless X-rays show moderate to advanced hip arthritis, nonsurgical treatment will be recommended.

Weight and overall health

Finally, how is the rest of your health, including your weight? Carrying extra weight is a big factor in hip pain. Surgeons typically will not perform hip replacement surgery on patients with a body mass index over 40, as it increases complications during and after surgery.

However, there are physical therapy programs tailored to help with weight loss while supporting and aiming to improve chronic hip pain. Your health care provider can help you find a physical therapy or weight loss program to suit your needs.

Do you have heart disease or diabetes? Is your diabetes under control with an appropriate hemoglobin A1C level? Optimizing chronic medical conditions will be necessary prior to surgery.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re mentally prepared for a tough couple of weeks after surgery.

Can you push through pain during physical therapy as you work on strengthening and moving your new joint?

Total hip replacement surgery versus partial hip replacement

If you have extensive hip joint damage due to conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be a candidate for a total hip replacement. In this procedure, known formally as total hip arthroplasty, both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are replaced with an artificial joint.

A partial hip replacement replaces only the femoral head. This is considered in cases where the acetabulum is healthy. An example of such an instance is a hip injury such as a fractured femoral head.

The post How can you tell if you need a hip replacement? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Kevin J. Himschoot, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute, suggests thinking about the following:

Pain

Does your pain come and go? Does it occur only during strenuous activity? Or is it persistent knee pain that interferes with daily life?

If your pain comes and goes, you’re likely not ready for surgery. The good news: There are some nonsurgical ways to get pain relief. These may include taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections for pain relief. Physical therapy exercises and stretches can improve strength and mobility by loosening muscles, ligaments or the knee joint capsule — ligaments and fibers that surround the joint.

Read more: Don’t ignore these 5 symptoms of joint pain

Age and activity

Next, think about your age and activity level. If you are active and would like to stay active for many years to come, a knee replacement may make that possible. Surgeons are performing joint replacement surgery on younger patients than they have in the past. However, surgery typically will not be considered until you are in your 50s. Also, unless X-rays show moderate to advanced knee arthritis, nonsurgical treatment will be recommended.

Weight and overall health

Finally, how is the rest of your health, including your weight? Carrying extra weight is a big factor in knee pain, as the knee has significant weight-bearing responsibilities. Surgeons typically will not perform knee replacement surgery on patients with a body mass index over 40, as it increases complications during and after surgery.

There are, however, physical therapy programs tailored to help with weight loss while supporting and aiming to improve chronic knee pain. Your health care provider can help you find a physical therapy or weight loss program to suit your needs.

Do you have heart disease or diabetes? Is your diabetes under control with an appropriate hemoglobin A1C level? Optimizing chronic medical conditions will be necessary prior to surgery.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re mentally prepared for a tough couple of weeks after surgery.

Can you push through pain during physical therapy as you work on strengthening and moving your new joint?

Additional signs you might be ready to consider knee surgery

• Persistent knee stiffness or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
• Visible bowing of the leg due to knee osteoarthritis progression
• Knee instability or “giving way” that affects your ability to walk safely
• Grinding, clicking or catching sensations that limit movement
• Limited range of motion, such as difficulty straightening or bending the knee

Total knee replacement surgery versus partial knee replacement

If you have extensive knee joint damage due to conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be a candidate for a total knee replacement. In this procedure, known formally as total knee arthroplasty, all three compartments of the knee joint are replaced with artificial components.

A partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee (either the medial, lateral or patellofemoral compartment). This is considered in cases where the arthritis is confined to just one area of the knee and the ligaments are intact. This less-invasive option often results in quicker recovery times and more natural knee movement for suitable candidates.

Whether you’re having total knee replacement surgery or having just one side of the knee replaced, the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone are replaced with artificial components. Sometimes, the kneecap or patella is replaced as well.

Advancements in robotics help your surgeon improve precision, which can reduce recovery time and give you a more natural-feeling knee.

The post How can you tell if you need a knee replacement? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Six months ago, Gene could only dream of doing that.

“I couldn’t even go like this,” he said as he reached for the sky. “I had some reservations, but I wanted more mobility and [Dr. Givens] made me feel good. So I went for it.”

‘I’d been in pain for 10 years’

Gene’s whole career has been reliant on his hands.

The former meat cutter and maintenance man is retired now but spent more than 30 years doing manual labor. Among other things, the constant use wore away the cartilage in his shoulders. He developed arthritis and eventually tore the rotator cuff in both shoulders.

He was in pain 24/7.

“I’ve been in pain for 10 years,” he said. “I could barely do anything. It affected me every day. I knew I needed help, so that’s what led me down the path to surgery.”

In 2019, Gene had his right shoulder replaced at a facility in Florida. It was a traditional shoulder replacement, but came with unexpected complications. Gene experienced internal bleeding, requiring a seven-day hospital stay. He continues — five years later — to experience neuropathy down his right arm. It was more than three months following that surgery before he could return to work.

“I still have pain in my right shoulder,” Gene said. “And it made me scared to have my left one done. I knew I needed it, but I put it off for a while just because I didn’t want to repeat what happened during the first one.”

Eventually, the pain in his left shoulder became unbearable. He had to find a solution. His primary care provider referred him to Norton Orthopedic Institute and to Dr. Givens.

“I always tell my patients, ‘I don’t save your life; my job is to make your life better,’” Dr. Givens said. “I want you to leave my office with a better life. And so, that’s the way I approach each patient — how can we get them the best long-term result but without a year of torture in between.”

‘I want you to go out and live your life’

Dr. Givens knew Gene needed surgery.

In addition to his arthritis, Gene had a retroverted left socket, a condition that develops when the shoulder socket, called the glenoid, is abnormally angled in relation to the shoulder blade. A  healthy shoulder has about 5 degrees of retroversion. In Gene’s case, it was 45 degrees, meaning his socket was essentially pointing out the back of his body.

To repair it, Dr. Givens needed to reconstruct Gene’s socket and fully replace his shoulder joint. This procedure would be nothing like the one Gene underwent in 2019.

Dr. Givens specializes in a subscapularis-sparing total shoulder replacement, an innovative surgical technique that aims to minimize damage to the subscapularis muscle, which is responsible for shoulder stability and arm mobility. This technique drastically improves surgical outcomes and reduces recovery time, allowing patients to return to their usual, day-to-day lives quicker.

After the doctor and patient discussed the options, Gene agreed to have the surgery. On April 24, 2024, Dr. Givens performed a successful shoulder replacement, using a 3D model to create a custom implant _— fit perfectly for Gene’s body — to reconstruct his glenoid and reposition his shoulder to its correct position.

“I’m big on getting things as they’re supposed to be and then letting you use them,” Dr. Givens said. “Other surgeons put restrictions on patients — either with lifting or movement — but there’s no data that’s ever supported that with the shoulder.

“We know it’s a mechanical part and, in theory, could wear out. But there’s no data to support that it will, so why are we keeping people from being active, working out and bettering their overall health? I want you to go out and live your life.”

Gene was out of a sling in seven days, which is typical for the method used by Dr. Givens. Gene began physical therapy shortly thereafter. In two weeks, he had 140 degrees of motion. By the six-week mark, he was able to lift his arm straight over his head, a stark contrast from where he was in 2019.

This is why when Gene steps into Dr. Givens’ office for his follow-ups, he smiles. He knows it’s a testament to how far he’s come and how the right doctor can make all the difference.

“I was amazed,” Gene said. “Because the right [shoulder] had so many complications … so when Dr. Givens told me I’d be out of a sling in a week, I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ But he was right. I think during my first follow-up, I waved at him from down the hall. Every time I’m in [the office] the staff is shocked at how much I can move, how far I bend.”

“This is a team approach,” Dr. Givens said. “And so, that helps us get people seen and get them seen efficiently as well. And that’s the point of orthopedic specialty clinics and why bring these to our community.”

The post Norton Orthopedic Institute surgeon’s shoulder replacement method brings reduced recovery times, better outcomes appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Gout, an especially painful type of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms sharp crystals in your joints. Diet changes can reduce the amount of uric acid in your body and make it easier for your kidneys to flush it away.

Your body makes uric acid naturally when breaking down purines that are abundant in certain foods. Alcohol slows your kidneys’ ability to process uric acid and pass it into your urine, contributing to excess uric acid in your body.

Avoiding high-purine food and drink can reduce your chances of a gout flare-up or lessen its severity.

High-purine foods that trigger gout

• Beer. Even nonalcoholic beer can be high in purines and increase the levels of uric acid by as much as 6.5%, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Some beers are lower in purines than others, and some brewers say their beer is purine-free.
• Sugary foods, drinks and sweets. Table sugar is half fructose, which elevates your uric acid level.
• Processed foods. Snacks and other packaged foods tend to have high levels of high-fructose corn syrup, a concentrated form of fructose.
• Organ meats like liver, kidney, sweetbreads and tripe are high in purine.
• Some meat. Red meat is generally higher in purines and should be eaten only occasionally. Turkey has high purine levels.
• Certain seafood, like mussels, scallops, squid, shrimp, oysters, crab and lobster. Tuna, salmon and trout have high purine levels, but when eaten in moderation their heart benefits may outweigh the risks of a gout flare.
• Game meats like venison and duck should be eaten sparingly or avoided altogether.

In addition to avoiding high-purine foods, effectively managing gout symptoms includes maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess uric acid. Coffee can reduce the risk of developing gout, but its effect on preventing recurrent gout attacks isn’t as clear.

“I highly recommend getting daily exercise, such as a 30-minute walk, to reduce flare-ups. Being overweight increases the risk of gout, so maintaining a healthy weight can help lower the risk,” said Amanda R. Dewees, APRN, nurse practitioner and family medicine provider with Norton Prevention & Wellness Mobile Primary Care.

Gout symptoms often are described as starting in the big toe, typically while sleeping, and affecting primarily those assigned male at birth.

Gout symptoms in women can be different. For those assigned female at birth, gout can strike differently and affect several joints over time. It can show up in joints already damaged by osteoarthritis, such as the hands, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

In addition, the role estrogen plays in gout can complicate the condition for women. Natural estrogen can help flush uric acid out of the body, and after menopause, uric acid levels tend to increase. It’s rare for premenopausal women to get gout.

Foods that help with managing gout symptoms

• Citrus and other fruits high in vitamin C can lower uric acid levels. But fruit also includes fructose, so look at options like grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and strawberries that are high in vitamin C, but have less fructose. Be cautious about fruit juice that may be naturally high in fructose or have added sugar.
• Plant foods and other nonmeat proteins don’t raise uric acid levels. Think peas, beans, lentils, tofu and greens.
• Proteins in dairy products can help promote passing uric acid in urine. Low-fat milk and other low-fat dairy products are recommended as part of a healthy gout diet.
• Cherries may lower your risk or the severity of a gout attack. There are some indications that the antioxidants in tart cherries can help those who experience gout.

The post Foods that trigger gout: What to avoid and what to eat appeared first on Norton Healthcare.