Zehr Center for Orthopaedics

12/25/2025

12/23/2025

Leave the cookies for Santa if you are experiencing arthritis pain in your joints. There are several steps you can take toward easing the pain of arthritis and they should be explored before you consider surgery to replace a joint.

One factor that is front and center during the holidays is nutrition! Tempting as it is to take a bite of every Christmas goody that passes you by (after all, it’s only polite!), the extra calories will be doing more harm to your joints than goodwill to all men. Your nutrition plays a major role in how you feel pain. What you eat will give your body the chemistry it needs to make an inflammatory response. Inflammation is what your immune system creates when there is some kind of insult or damage to your tissue. Inflammation is not the only cause of pain but it can make your pain feel more intense and last longer.

The chemistry that creates pain signals in your body is increased by starchy and sugary foods. It can be decreased by protein foods. Controlling inflammation and therefore pain is done best by avoiding carbohydrates you don’t need. This means sweets and many of the grain products. Sadly enough, Christmas cookies fall into that category, so leave the cookies for Santa.

Meals that regularly include lean meat, fish, and eggs are essential for controlling pain chemistry. Portion control is also central in controlling inflammation, and to successful weight loss. Portion control means not eating more food than you are using for fuel on a daily basis.

Research suggests that losing as little as seven to 10 per cent of your current body weight can help. Such a weight loss can change your body chemistry for the better. These changes can help decrease physical pain. You won’t even miss the cookies!

12/18/2025

Gear up, Ladies!

And which moves experts say to steer clear of.

12/16/2025

Are you a good candidate for PRP/A*M therapy? Find out...

For patients suffering with hip or knee pain, platelet-rich plasma injections or alpha-2-macroglobulin treatments mayhelp.

12/13/2025

"Dr. Zehr did a complete knee replacement on me. I was not able to walk properly, and the surgery was a full success, I am now able to walk, run, and exercise again. The office staff was very supportive, and I would certainly recommend Dr. Zehr to anyone who may need advice about their knee or surgery." - Patient via Vitals.com

12/11/2025

And a few you should avoid...

Foods high in omega-3 fats and antioxidants (like fish and cherries) can help reduce joint inflammation. See a list of the best foods for joint health here.

12/09/2025

If you've had a knee surgeon tell you, based only on your X-ray, that you need knee surgery, RUN — don't walk — to the ZCO for a second opinion! Call us at 239-596-0100.

An X-ray does not signal the need for knee replacement.There are literally hundreds of diagnoses that can cause knee pain.

12/06/2025

"Anterior approach = only approach! Dr. Zehr walked me through my X-rays explaining this approach vs. posterior approach. The pre-surgery meeting with the PA answered all my questions and put me at great ease. The surgery went perfectly: full weight bearing on the day of surgery; no hip pain; in a week completely off walker onto cane. Their PT referral was fabulous! The post-op meeting again answered all questions and went over new X-rays. Very supportive office staff." - Jerry N.

12/04/2025

Pilates isn't just about stretching and strengthening your muscles. It has also been linked to the following benefits that may be particularly important for older adults:

improves posture
maintains bone density
protects against cognitive decline
improves back pain
supports the immune system
bolsters mental health.

Plus it's a low-impact form of exercise, meaning it may be more comfortable and accessible for people with joint pain or mobility concerns.

Discover whether Pilates is a good option for older adults. Learn about potential benefits including improved flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as safety considerations and accommodations...