At the Silver City Rotary Club meeting on July 20, Dr. Brian Robinson, MD., the founder of the Southwest Bone & Joint Institute of Silver City, provided answers to questions about arthritis to a group of Rotary members and guests.

Robinson said that the three main joints in the body that tend to be affected by arthritis are the knees, hips and shoulders. The muscles around these joints need to be kept strong. This is best accomplished by doing weight-bearing exercises regularly. Other activities, such as Yoga and Tai Chi, help with balance and flexibility more than with muscle strength.

Osteoarthritis affects a vast majority of the older population. But Robinson did say "don't assume that age means arthritis."

Types of pain relief may include nsaids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) oral medications or gels. The topical treatment doesn't go as deep but can provide relief. Acupuncture or chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for some people. Glucosamine chrondroitin is used also, but its effectiveness varies. Robinson said there is a new study going on now to determine if CBD or Hemp oil is helpful in relieving the pain of arthritis. He also said that "women have a better pain tolerance than men."

Robinson also said that if a person desires a knee or hip replacement, to "first try physical therapy. If surgery needs to be done, be sure to do all of the pre-surgical exercises."

Dr. Robinson's Q & A session was part of the Rotary Club's ongoing series of informational presentations.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary is the world's oldest and largest service organization, with more than 1.2 million members in more than168 countries. Since its founding in 1923, the Silver City Rotary Club has provided support and service to numerous non-profit organizations and civic causes in Silver City and Grant County as well as supporting and participating in humanitarian projects sponsored by Rotary International.

The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon in the Sunset Room in the WNMU Student Cafeteria. To find out more about Rotary or membership in the local club, contact Bart Roselli at rosellibart@gmail.com or Niel McDonald at niel.mcdonald@edwardjones.com.