Baby boomers are more active than past generations at this age. This activity has put extra strain on hips, knees, and shoulder joints, causing many to look into joint replacement surgery such as hip arthroscopy.
Those receiving a knee replacement surgery has doubled over the last decade and more than tripled in the 45-to-64 age group, new research shows. Hips are trending that way, too.
In the past replacement surgeries had a lot to do with obesity. Ironically, trying to stay fit and avoid extra pounds is taking a toll on a generation that expects bad joints can be replaced routinely.
Joint replacements have enabled millions of people to lead better lives by reducing joint pain, and surgeons are increasingly offering them to younger people. The problem is that no one really knows how well these implants will perform in the active baby boomers getting them now. Most studies were done on older people whose expectations were to be able to go watch a grandchild's soccer game - not play the sport themselves.
A 55-year-old retiree in San Diego plans to have a hip replacement surgery in September. She can't exercise the way she wants to. She has to go slow, which she finds really aggravating. She claims she is not worried about how she is going to feel when she is 75.
Being active is viewed as the closest thing to the fountain of youth, however, most people need to modify their exercise habits because they're overdoing one sport, not stretching, or doing something else that puts their joints at risk.
Experts recommend:
Cross training. Multiple activities prevent overuse.
Balance your routines to build strength, flexibility, core muscles and cardiovascular health.
Lose weight. Every extra pound you carry registers as 5 extra pounds on your knees.
Spend more time warming up.
Let muscles and joints recover, and rest between workouts.
If you've had a joint replacement, take part in the rehabilitation services that's recommended.
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