Dr. Brett Shore was featured in Shape and Prevention, two popular lifestyle and wellness publications. His expertise and authority in orthopedics shine through in both of the appearances:
Dr. Brett Shore in Shape Magazine
DISC Sports & Spine surgeons are often asked for their tips and tricks to mitigate pain via conservative care treatments. Dr. Brett Shore, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and comprehensive hip specialist, recently caught up with Shape to share his insights on supplements for arthritis pain. While lifestyle interventions for arthritis usually include eating an anti-inflammatory diet and incorporating aerobic and strength-training exercises into your routine, taking vitamins to add extra nutrients to your diet can be beneficial as well.
“Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to refer to a wide variety of conditions that affect the joints of the body, most of which involve the breakdown or loss of hyaline cartilage in the joint,” Dr. Shore told Shape.
Cartilage, the spongy tissue that covers the ends of your bones so they don’t rub together, also cushions the parts of your joints that meet the bones and acts as a shock absorber. This is very important when doing high impact exercises that require running or jumping.
“Hyaline cartilage is the super-smooth substance in joints that allows us to move freely—it’s 100 times slicker than ice-on-ice,” Shore told Shape. This type of cartilage acts as a lubricant for your joints, enabling your bones to slide past each other without friction.
Two supplements Dr. Shore suggests incorporating into your routine if you’re battling arthritis pain are Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D.
Omegas can reduce inflammatory markers and mitigate cartilage loss in those with osteoarthritis, and there is evidence that omegas can help reduce pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Shore said. He told Shape he recommends "between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams (mg) of combined DHA/EPA, with studies suggesting the higher dose range is more effective for arthritis pain."
Shore also suggested looking for supplements that contain piperine, the main component in black pepper, and taking up to 500 mg three times a day for maximal effect on arthritis pain.
Having low vitamin D levels has been linked to more severe disease and disability in patients with arthritis, as well as worse surgical outcomes, Shore said.
If you’re deficient (which about 35% of adults in the U.S. are), Shore recommends taking 5,000 to 10,000 IU (international units) of a supplement containing both vitamin D3 and K2 daily (vitamin K2 further helps calcium absorption in bones).
Dr. Brett Shore in Prevention
Another simple addition to your routine to mitigate pain is to ensure you’re wearing proper footwear. Dr. Shore recently offered his advice to Prevention on how to find a good pair of shoes for walking on concrete.
One of the most important components to look for is maximum cushioning and a good level of shock absorption.
“You'll want at least 25-30mm stack height for cushioning, often utilizing EVA foam, gel or air pockets,” Shore told Prevention.
A supportive sole is also important to keep your feet comfortable during long hours of walking or standing. “As for the outsole, you'll want one that's durable (concrete wears shoes out quickly) and provides good traction,” Dr. Shore explained.
Lastly, look for a shoe that is flexible enough to allow for normal foot biomechanics, and look for a shoe that actually fits, he said. It might seem obvious, but Dr. Shore said that well-fitted shoes will help prevent blisters and reduce the risk of bunions, and it is important to ensure sufficient toe room in the shoe as well.
If you’re experiencing pain from arthritis and need relief, consider scheduling a consultation with one of DISC’s leading orthopedic surgeons today.
