Must-Have Vaccines for Psoriatic Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and often causes psoriasis on the skin and nails. People with PsA are at higher risk for severe symptoms and infections like pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization. So it’s especially important to be up-to-date on your vaccines. 

“An autoimmune disease like psoriatic arthritis affects the immune system negatively, so people don’t always respond sufficiently to viruses,” says Jonathan Greer, MD, a clinical professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. “This means the consequences of infections are potentially more severe for them.” 

But an even bigger issue is that PsA is typically treated with immunosuppressant medications, and these reduce your ability to fight infections.

Because of these factors, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has made specific vaccination recommendations for people with PsA and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Though the list of vaccines for people with PsA is in line with recommendations for the general population, in some cases, vaccines are recommended at younger ages, or at stronger doses.

Can Vaccines Trigger a Flare?

It’s also important to address the concern that vaccines can trigger a flare. The vast majority of studies have not shown an increased rate of flares after the flu vaccines. For other vaccines, results were similar but there have been fewer studies.

“There’s a lot of reticence to get any vaccines these days, a lot of misinformation and disinformation,” says Dr. Greer. He encourages people to speak with their own doctors and follow the recommendations from the ACR. Each person is different, the severity of their disease is unique, and people take a wide range of medications. 

Here are the recommended vaccines for people with PsA and experts’ advice on how and when to get them.

                                                                                                                  Jaka Pilar/Getty Images

Annual Flu Shot

The flu shot is recommended every fall for everyone 6 months and older, but people with PsA may need to get a higher dose. People at increased risk want the most protection possible, because the flu vaccine is only about 40 percent to 60 percent effective, depending on how well the vaccine matches the season’s strains. But even if you do get the flu, the vaccine can reduce your symptoms.

People with PsA who need more protection include those between 18 and 65 who are taking an immunosuppressant medication and anyone 65 or older. If you fall into these groups, it’s recommended that you receive a high-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvant vaccine. 

The high-dose flu vaccine contains four times as much of the antigen as the standard-dose vaccine. Research has found that in older adults, who are considered high risk, a high-dose vaccine is 24 percent more effective at preventing flu and reducing complications that lead to hospitalization than the standard dose.

An adjuvant vaccine contains an ingredient that increases the immune system’s response to the antigen in the vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing serious symptoms and hospitalization. It’s less effective at protecting you from catching the virus in the first place, but it does offer some protection. Studies show that in people who are immunocompromised, protection against infection and severe symptoms is lower, so it’s especially important to stay up-to-date on your vaccines.

If you’re unvaccinated, it’s important to get the initial two-shot series of COVID vaccines, followed by the latest available dose after a certain period of time. 

If you’re immunocompromised and you’ve had the initial vaccine series, you should get two doses of the most recent vaccine, spaced six months apart.

RSV and Pneumococcal Vaccines

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection typically causes a cold and cough but can develop into pneumonia. An estimated 110,000 to 180,000 adults ages 50 and older in the United States are hospitalized for RSV each year. The risk increases with age and with certain risk factors, including a weakened immune system. The CDC recommends adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease get an RSV vaccine. If you have PsA, and are younger than 50, talk to your doctor about whether you should get the vaccine. 

To prevent pneumonia, anyone with PsA who is taking immunosuppressive medications should get the pneumococcal vaccine. If you have PsA but aren’t taking immunosuppressive drugs, the vaccine may still be recommended. The recommendation for the general public is for all adults 50 and older to get the vaccine as well as adults over 50 who have underlying medical conditions. One vaccine is all many people need.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can be a devastating illness, causing burning, stabbing pain, and other potential complications. The virus occurs in people who have had chicken pox earlier in life. The virus lies dormant, but can be reactivated along nerve pathways at any time, often when the immune system is weakened. The pain, called postherpetic neuralgia, can persist or recur.

According to research, people with PsA are 23 percent more likely to get shingles than people without psoriatic disease. Factors that increase the risk of shingles in people with PsA include age and certain immunosuppressant medications such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. 

“Over the age of 60, the chance of having post-shingles pain is about 60 percent,” says Greer. “In people who are immunosuppressed, the pain can spread throughout the body.”

The guidelines strongly recommend that people 18 years and older who’ve had chicken pox and who are taking immunosuppressive medications get the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix. “If you ever had chicken pox, get the Shingrix vaccine. It’s not something to trifle with,” says Greer.

Other Vaccines

You may need to get other vaccines when you travel, and you should talk to your doctor about your medical and vaccine history to make sure you’re up-to-date on everything, such as your tetanus shot.

Should You Stop an Immunosuppressant Drug When Getting a Vaccine?

Some immunosuppressant medications may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, so it’s sometimes recommended that you temporarily stop taking your immunosuppressant medication before you get a vaccine. One example is the drug methotrexate. It’s recommended that you stop taking it for two weeks when getting the flu vaccine. 

With attenuated live vaccines — where a weakened version of the virus is injected — people taking immunosuppressants may need to defer taking or interrupt their medication for a period before and after their vaccination.

Always check with your entire healthcare team, including your rheumatologist when receiving vaccines, especially live vaccines, to make sure they are safe to administer while taking certain medications.

A task force from the American College of Rheumatology recommends withholding abatacept, belimumab, and most conventional (such as methotrexate and azathioprine) and targeted (JAK inhibitors) immunomodulatory therapies for one to two weeks after each COVID-19 vaccine dose, if disease activity allows.

The Takeaway

• People with an autoimmune condition such as psoriatic arthritis are at higher risk of catching infections and having more severe symptoms. 
• Staying up-to-date with vaccinations can help prevent certain infections or minimize the symptoms and need for hospitalization. 
• This includes getting a yearly flu shot, COVID-19 vaccination, and potentially RSV, pneumococcal, and other vaccines. 
• Talk with your doctor about which vaccines you need and when you should get them and if your medications need to be adjusted.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/must-have-vaccines-for-psoriatic-arthritis/

Why joint pain worsens in cold weather — and what actually helps, expert explains

From msn.com/en-in

Cold weather often makes joint pain worse. Experts explain why winter triggers stiffness and swelling — and share practical tips, from exercise to diet, that actually help.

While winter brings many seasonal delights and festivities, it also brings a familiar, not-so-loved phenomenon: joint pain. Swelling, stiffness and inflammation are common complaints heard around winter. But why does the cold seem to aggravate our joints so noticeably? And what can you realistically do to feel better? We spoke to an expert to figure it out.

According to Mr Jeevan Kasara, Chairman, Steris Healthcare, the explanation is both physiological and environmental. “Cold weather tightens muscles and joints, causes inflammation, and slows blood flow,” he says. “As a result, even basic movement can start to feel difficult.”

The season also quietly chips away at another key factor: sunlight. Days being shorter also plays a big part.

Shorter daylight hours mean less time outdoors, which, in turn, reduces the body’s natural production of Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for bone strength and joint health. “This deficiency is extremely common during winter, and it directly impacts joint comfort and mobility,” Kasara adds.

Movement is Crucial to Keep Joint Pain at Bay

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthier joints. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean heavy workouts.

“People shouldn’t overlook the importance of caring for their bodies and keeping up physical activity,” he says. Simple routines can make a measurable difference.

Gentle exercises, like walking, swimming or home workouts, can do more good than you’d assume them to.

Food That Reduces Inflammation

Kasara recommends including:

• Oily fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids)
• Turmeric
• Nuts and seeds
• Seasonal vegetables rich in antioxidants

“These foods can naturally help in pain relief,” he says, noting that people often underestimate how strongly nutrition influences joint comfort.

Healthy Habits to follow in winter

Additionally, people often overlook small lifestyle changes that may be affecting or worsening their joint pain.

Kasara highlighted these habits that can protect joints in cold weather:

• Dressing warmly to prevent muscles from tightening
• Stretching before any physical activity
• Keeping one's indoor environment warm and comfortable

Lastly, worsening joint pain should never be ignored, he advised.

“If the pain continues, a visit to the doctor should be your next step,” he emphasised. Underlying conditions such as arthritis, deficiencies or injuries may require evaluation or a change in treatment.

With these tips, you can deal with and manage your joint pain better. 

https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/health-news/why-joint-pain-worsens-in-cold-weather-and-what-actually-helps-expert-explains/ar-AA1T4Rjh

3 best exercises to ease knee osteoarthritis pain

From rollingout.com

Doctors reveal how simple aerobic movements can reduce joint pain and improve mobility for millions living with knee osteoarthritis

When knee pain strikes, the last thing most people want to do is move. But new research suggests that getting active might be exactly what aching joints need.

Aerobic exercise can significantly reduce pain, improve movement and enhance quality of life for patients dealing with knee osteoarthritis, according to a study published Oct. 15 in the journal The BMJ. The findings offer hope for the roughly 54 million American adults, or one in five, who live with some form of arthritis.

                                                                                                     Photo credit: shutterstock/Vanatchanan

What’s happening inside arthritic knees

Osteoarthritis stands as the most common type of arthritis affecting people today. Dr. Antonia F. Chen, chair and professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, describes it as the wear and tear of cartilage, which is the protective covering at the end of bones. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness and decreased joint function.

The condition affects a staggering number of people worldwide. Research estimates that 80% of adults over 55 years old have some degree of arthritis, with 500 million people globally dealing with osteoarthritis specifically.

Several factors contribute to developing osteoarthritis. Injuries, pre-existing joint disease, certain metabolic conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes, and genetics all play roles in who develops the condition. The knee ranks among the most commonly affected joints, and osteoarthritis has become a leading cause of chronic disability.

While knee osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, managing pain is absolutely possible. The recent study analysed 217 randomized controlled trials involving over 15,000 participants from around the world, examining the impact of seven different exercise types with follow-ups at four, 12 and 24 weeks.

Why aerobic movement makes such a difference

Dr. Lei Yan, the study’s first author and a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, found that aerobic exercise consistently showed the greatest benefits across almost all outcomes measured. It reduced pain, improved movement and gait performance, and enhanced overall quality of life more effectively than any other exercise type tested.

Aerobic exercises involve rhythmic and repetitive movements. Walking, jogging, cycling and swimming all fall into this category. These activities help nourish the joints, strengthen supporting muscles and reduce pain, explains Dana Santas, a CNN fitness contributor and certified strength and conditioning specialist who works as a mind-body coach in professional sports.

The key for patients with knee osteoarthritis involves sticking to low or moderate-impact aerobic activity. High-impact exercises should be avoided entirely. Running and plyometrics like jump training put too much stress on already compromised joints, Santas cautions.

Starting slowly and safely

Common exercise recommendations often suggest aiming for 10,000 steps daily or 150 minutes of exercise weekly. But patients just beginning their exercise journey don’t need to hit those targets immediately.

Walking or cycling for just five to 10 minutes a day can help people start receiving benefits and re-strengthening the muscles around their joints, according to Santas. The modest beginning allows the body to adapt without overwhelming already painful joints.

Proper warmup becomes crucial before starting any movement. Santas recommends mobilizing ankles and hips with stretches like ankle circles or simple hip mobility exercises. These preparatory movements help ensure the body is ready for activity.

Being conscious of your body during exercise and pacing yourself appropriately also matters tremendously. People managing knee osteoarthritis should avoid deep squats and twisting their hips. When hips are tight, the movement transfers to the joint above or below, which means the knee bears the brunt, Santas explains.

Regardless of which aerobic exercise someone chooses, they should ensure their knees aren’t being asked to do something they’re not designed to do. Knees function as hinge joints, and forcing them into unnatural movements only creates more problems.

Adding strength training for better results

Low or moderate-impact strength training can also benefit patients with knee osteoarthritis, working similarly to aerobic exercises in supporting joint health.

An accessible exercise to begin with is the single-leg Romanian deadlift, or RDL. This movement can be modified by shifting weight to one leg and coming onto the toes of the opposite leg, ensuring no weight goes on the nonworking leg, Santas describes.

Balance issues are common when starting strength training. Holding onto a wall for support allows people to hinge from their hips to come down and back up safely. Other beneficial exercises include stair stepping and leg extensions.

While both strength training and aerobic exercise improve mobility, consistency determines success. Yan emphasizes that patients don’t need to train intensely, but they do need to keep moving regularly. Sporadic exercise won’t deliver the same benefits as a steady routine.

Other pain management options

Exercise represents just one approach to managing osteoarthritis pain. Additional treatment methods include acupuncture, weight loss, anti-inflammatory supplements and physical therapy, according to Chen.

However, anyone considering new treatments should contact their doctor or medical professional first. What works for one person might not suit another, and medical guidance ensures that chosen treatments won’t interfere with existing conditions or medications.

The research offers encouraging news for millions living with knee osteoarthritis. Simple, low-impact movements performed consistently can make a real difference in pain levels and quality of life. Starting small with just a few minutes of daily activity can set the foundation for long-term joint health and improved mobility.

https://rollingout.com/2025/12/25/knee-osteoarthritis-pain-exercises/

Daily Habits That Help Reduce Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

These small tweaks to everyday routines have big potential for making disease management easier 

When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, treatment is primo. After all, getting inflammation under control is the best way to ease symptoms and prevent the disease from causing permanent joint damage. But once you’ve got the medical basics down, it’s time to think about lifestyle support. “Lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on inflammation,” says Nina Couette, D.O., a board-certified rheumatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Colombus, OH. They can also improve your quality of life—allowing you to keep doing the things you love.

Why Daily Habits Matter

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“Most patients with RA need medication,” Dr. Couette says. “Typically, lifestyle modifications alone are not sufficient for disease control.” But everyday choices around sleep, stress, diet, and exercise can either amplify or temper inflammation. The extent to which this alters RA’s course is unclear, says Eric Ruderman, M.D., a professor in the division of rheumatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Glenview, IL. Still, “there’s a good deal of systemic inflammation involved in RA,” he says. “It makes sense that reducing it in general might help.”

Prioritize Restorative Sleep

“Regular, restorative sleep supports the immune system and reduces stress hormones that can worsen inflammation,” Dr. Couette says. “Poor sleep is also linked with increased pain sensitivity, fatigue, and difficulty coping.” The problem is that sleep can be disrupted by RA pain. To sleep better, work on sleep hygiene: reducing screen time before bed, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake time, and implementing mindfulness meditation. A sleep study can also help ensure nothing else (like sleep apnoea) is to blame, Dr. Ruderman says.

Manage Stress

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Stress increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and levels of inflammatory cytokines, Dr. Couette says. It’s also linked to increased pain, says Dr. Ruderman. Implementing simple stress-reduction techniques can go a long way in managing your mental and physical health. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, or even your favourite hobby can be great ways to feel more relaxed. It’s also helpful, when your RA is flaring, to validate your feelings, and remind yourself that when your situation improves, so will your symptoms, Dr. Ruderman says.

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

For RA, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, and limits ultra-processed and high-sugar foods, and trans and saturated fats. Evidence shows this can support long-term health and reduce cardiovascular risk, says Dr. Couette. How much it directly impacts RA inflammation is still unclear, Dr. Ruderman notes. An active area of research, he adds, explores how diet affects gut bacteria, and how this subsequently affects the disease process.

Move … Gently

                                                     GettyImages/Maksym Belchenko

Many people think they shouldn’t exercise with inflammatory arthritis, but that’s not true, Dr. Ruderman says. “You have to listen to your body, and if something causes pain or you feel miserable after, don’t do it,” he says. “But as a general rule, more physical activity is better.” It helps improve muscle strength for better joint support and to reduce pain, and it improves sleep. In general, exercise helps modulate inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and TNF-α, and supports the immune system. Try a daily walk or small bits of activity throughout the day.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

“Obesity in RA is linked to higher disease activity, worse function, and poorer treatment response and maintaining a healthy weight is strongly recommended,” Dr. Couette says. An increased BMI has also been associated with worse fatigue in RA, says Charis Meng, M.D., a rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Making sure you’re eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, and managing stress—together, they can help maintain a healthy body weight.

Learn About Pacing

It’s important to come up with strategies to avoid overdoing it and taxing your joints. “Scheduling appropriate rest, especially if you know your day is packed with activities you know will tire you out, makes a lot of sense,” says Dr. Meng. This may mean making a list of your priorities (and shifting any to-dos to another time or day when you’ll have more energy), planning certain tasks for when you know you’ll feel good enough to do them, and modifying activities with mobility aids and other tools to lessen the strain on joints.

Avoid Inflammation Triggers

Smoking has a negative impact on anyone’s health, but there are some unique ways it hurts people with RA. “There’s a link between smoking and developing RA, and it may interfere with the effectiveness of some of the medications we use,” Dr. Ruderman says. And because alcohol triggers inflammatory molecules and damages the gut lining, he tells people to avoid drinking in excess. When it comes to food, if you notice any foods make your joints feel worse, it’s a good idea to avoid them, Dr. Ruderman says.

Tenets of Healthy Living

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These lifestyle habits aren’t unique to people with RA—they’re good for anyone who wants to improve their health, Dr. Ruderman says. If this list seems overwhelming, focus on starting with one or two small changes. Once those are integrated into your routine, add another. Also, remember that inflammation is very individualized; a lot of this comes down to figuring out what helps you. So, keep track as you go, and focus on doing more of what makes your joints happy.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/daily-habits-that-help-reduce-inflammation-in-ra

7 Christmas Foods that can Cause Inflammation

From blackdoctor.org

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and—let’s be honest—plenty of indulgent food. From rich desserts to salty appetizers, Christmas meals often feature dishes that can trigger inflammation in the body, especially for people managing conditions like arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or heart disease.

But you don’t have to give up your favourites entirely. Understanding which foods worsen inflammation and why can help you make smarter choices while still enjoying the holiday cheer. 

Below are the top Christmas foods known to cause inflammation, plus healthier swaps that still feel festive.

1. Sugary Desserts & Holiday Treats

Examples: Christmas cookies, pies, cakes, peppermint bark, fudge, eggnog

Refined sugar spikes blood sugar levels quickly, triggering a rise in inflammatory markers such as cytokines. High-sugar foods also fuel oxidative stress, which further irritates joints and tissues.

Excess sugar increases insulin levels and systemic inflammation.

Many desserts use refined flour + sugar, a double inflammatory combo.

Swap It Out for These:

• Opt for fruit-forward desserts (baked apples, berry crisps).
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of white sugar.
• Try almond flour instead of white flour.

2. Processed Meats on Holiday Platters

Examples: Ham, sausage balls, bacon-wrapped appetizers, salami

Processed meats are high in sodium, nitrates, and saturated fat—all linked to increased inflammation. They also promote the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), harmful compounds that irritate tissues.

Why it causes inflammation:

Nitrates and preservatives disrupt gut bacteria.

High salt increases water retention and joint swelling.

Saturated fat promotes inflammatory responses.

Swap It Out for These:

• Choose roasted turkey slices instead of cured meats.
• Try smoked salmon or grilled chicken skewers on appetizer trays.

3. Cheesy, Creamy Casseroles

Examples: Mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, cheesy dips

Dairy-based casseroles pack saturated fat and casein, which can trigger inflammation, especially in people who are dairy-sensitive.

Why it causes inflammation:

Saturated fats can raise inflammatory markers (CRP).

Some people react to casein as they would to gluten.

Swap It Out for These:

• Try cashew-based sauces for creamy dishes.
• Swap heavy cream for oat or almond milk.

4. Refined Carbs and Breads

Examples: Dinner rolls, stuffing, pie crusts, pastries

White flour breaks down rapidly into sugar, causing the same inflammatory spike as sugary desserts.

Why it causes inflammation:

Refined carbs cause quick blood sugar surges.

They lack fibre, which helps regulate inflammation.

Swap It Out for These:

• Whole-grain rolls or sourdough.
• Use whole-wheat or almond-flour pie crusts.

5. Excess Alcohol, Especially Holiday Cocktails

Examples: Spiked cider, rum punch, eggnog with liquor, champagne toasts

Alcohol increases inflammation in the liver and gut and affects sleep—another inflammation trigger.

Why it causes inflammation:

Raises inflammatory markers like CRP.

Increases gut permeability (“leaky gut”), allowing toxins into the bloodstream.

Swap It Out for These:

• Stick to red wine in moderation (1 glass).
• Try mocktails with cranberry, lime, and sparkling water.

6. Salty Holiday Snacks and Appetizers

Examples: Cheese boards, chips, pretzels, seasoned nuts, packaged dips

Too much sodium leads to water retention and joint swelling and worsens inflammatory conditions.

Why it causes inflammation:

High salt disrupts immune balance.

Increases the body’s production of pro-inflammatory cells.

Swap It Out for These:

• Unsalted nuts.
• Fresh-cut veggies with hummus.
• Whole-food dips like fresh guacamole.

7. Fried or Breaded Holiday Foods

Examples: Fried turkey, fried appetizers, doughnuts, croquettes

Frying produces inflammatory compounds, including trans fats and AGEs.

Why it causes inflammation:

Cooking oils heated to high temps break down into harmful chemicals.

Fried foods often combine sugar, starch, and fat—a triple threat.

Swap It Out for These:

• Air-fry instead of deep frying.
• Roast potatoes or turkey for flavour without inflammation.

How to Enjoy Christmas Without the Inflammation

You don’t need to deprive yourself. Try these simple rules:

Try filling half your plate with anti-inflammatory foods

Leafy greens, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, berries, nuts.

Choose two “treats” rather than sampling everything

Pick your favourites and savour them mindfully.

Stay hydrated

Water helps flush out sodium and stabilizes blood sugar.

Try taking a short walk after big meals

A 10–15-minute stroll reduces inflammation and blood-sugar spikes.

https://blackdoctor.org/7-christmas-foods-that-can-cause-inflammation/

Lesser-Known Remedy For Ankle Arthritis

From miragenews.com

Patient pain-free and mobile again after total ankle replacement by UConn Health's Dr. Lauren Geaney

Dr. Lauren Geaney, UConn Health foot and ankle surgeon, sees Joe Marinello for a follow-up appointment six months after performing a total ankle replacement on his right foot. (Tina Encarnacion/ UConn Health photo)

A somewhat uncommon procedure is proving to be an effective solution for problems associated with ankle arthritis.

When pain becomes persistent and mobility becomes limited, an ankle fusion will address the pain. But some patients are candidates for an ankle replacement, which comes with added benefits.

"It allows patients to maintain their range of motion, and gait is better with the ankle replacement," says Dr. Lauren Geaney, UConn Health foot and ankle surgeon. "But a lot of people aren't aware total ankle replacement exists as a really great option to help pain and restore function in patients suffering from ankle arthritis."

At this time last year, Joe Marinello, of Wethersfield, was struggling with pain in his right ankle that had progressed to the point where he had a bad limp and was using a cane.

"I had pain most of the time when I moved, so my mobility was very limited, and I just didn't do a lot of things," Marinello says. "I took a lot of ibuprofen and whatever to deal with the pain, and a lot of the pressure of doing things, like shopping and doing other stuff, was put on my wife."

Marinello, 86, says the problem went back to a bad day on the baseball field in 1961, when he was playing third base for Marietta (Ohio) College.

"I slid into home and my bottom spike caught home plate, flipped me over," he says. "I busted my ankle, and actually the foot was 90 degrees and the tibia bone was on top."

He says a doctor at a bone clinic in Parkersburg, West Virgina, reset the bones in his foot without surgery.

"He had to set it at a certain angle so that everything stayed together," Marinello says. "It was a little crooked at first, but through therapy, the muscles straightened out. I broke it in May, and went into the service in September. And instead of me doing all the marching, I had to do the running, but then I went to the infirmary, and by February I was playing baseball for the squadron."

Being an athlete his whole life, it took until about 10 years ago for the decades of running to finally take their toll. He started seeing Geaney, who started him on cortisone shots. They would provide about three months of relief, but as the years went by, they lost their effectiveness.

"Ankle arthritis is much less common than hip and knee arthritis, and ankle replacement is a newer procedure," Geaney says. "The technology and our knowledge of ankle replacements even in the last 10 years since I've been in practice has grown exponentially. When I first started, I was doing about one a year, primarily because we didn't know as much about who did well. Now I'm doing about one a month or so."

Initially concerned about downtime and recovery, Marinello came around on the idea of ankle replacement surgery.

For the first 11 days after the surgery on March 20, his foot was in a splint and he was under doctor's orders to not put any weight on it. He went back to get the stitches removed and graduated to a walking boot with limited weight bearing.

"I could put it down, but I had to put pressure around my walker, I had to stay with the walker," Marinello says. "Then on April 28, she looked at it, and said, 'Put your shoe on.'

"I have had no pain since she did the surgery. I had swelling from the surgery, but I had no pain. It was incredible."

"I think he had an excellent outcome," Geaney says. "This is a great surgery to restore patients to low-impact activity like walking, hiking, biking, or swimming."

That is, after staying off the repaired foot for a few weeks, followed by rehabilitation. Geaney says it can take up to a year for full recovery.

Marinello's course of physical and occupational therapy lasted four months, at which point he reported, "The only thing she doesn't want me to do is run, and I haven't run in years, and she doesn't want me to climb a ladder. Other than that, I get my boat, I go fishing, I shop with my wife now, I help her, I carry stuff. I'm living pretty much a normal life based on my age. But to this day, I can't believe I'm walking with no pain. I'm mobile. I walk straight. There's no limp and there's no pain."

And he developed quite a fondness for his surgeon.

"To me she walks on water, because she's got me walking with no pain," Marinello says. "I talk to her like I'm talking to a friend. She's so personable and down to earth, it's incredible."

https://www.miragenews.com/lesser-known-remedy-for-ankle-arthritis-1593981/