healthnotes
Arthritis Facts
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of military medi- cal separation. Many servicemembers show early symptoms of os- teoarthritis, traceable to extreme physical demands, repetitive stress, or an untreated sprain. Some injuries can result in post-trau- matic osteoarthritis.
“Common-sense ex-
ercise at least five days a week … can substan- tially slow the progres- sion of [osteoarthritis],” says Lt. Col. Steven Svoboda, USA, M.D., at Keller Army Com- munity Hospital, West Point, N.Y. “Swimming or pool walking are per- fect because they avoid repeated shocks to the joints, yet you have the resistance of the water. Biking and elliptical training [also] reduce repetitive impact.” — Marilyn Pribus
30 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2016
IMAGES: INFOGRAPHIC, COLIN HAYES; LEFT, SHUTTERSTOCK