Americans are known for finding the easy way out of things, which can even be said when problems occur within the body, as many turn to surgery rather than exercise and diet when they have knee, hip, or even back problems, the Tucson Citizen reports.
Many health experts like Marje Albohm, president of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, are urging baby boomers and seniors to try to work towards a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise that will reduce pain, restore mobility and could delay or even eliminate the need for surgery all together.
"Total knee replacement is an epidemic in our country," Albohm told the publication. "That circles back to the American way. Fix it. Give me an operation."
While chairman of New England Baptist Hospital’s department of orthopedic surgery, John Richmond said that family members providing elder care to a person with arthritis should implement exercise routines and a new diet, because weight loss is at the top of the list of the American Academy of Othropedic Surgeons for pain reduction and prevention.
"The only treatment that actually slows down the progress of the disease is weight loss," Richmond told the news source. "You might think restricting activity would help but it does not."