May Is Arthritis Awareness Month, Tips to Protect Your Joints

By Nicholas DeBellis, MD
Orthopedic Injury Expert
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
Medical Director, South Island Orthopedics

Joint pain isn’t “just a part of getting older”, it could be a sign of arthritis. At South Island Orthopedics (SIO), we use May’s Arthritis Awareness Month to highlight how early care, movement, and the right treatment plan can make a real difference in how you live, work, and move.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for over 100 different joint diseases. It affects 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., and it’s one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability.

The most common types we see at SIO include:

• Osteoarthritis: Cartilage breakdown due to wear and tear
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that attacks joint linings
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint damage that develops after an injury
• Gout: Caused by crystal buildup in the joints, often the big toe
  

How Do You Know If It’s Arthritis?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, arthritis could be the cause:

• Joint stiffness (especially in the morning)
• Swelling or warmth around joints
• Ongoing pain with movement
• Limited range of motion

These symptoms can come on gradually or suddenly, and they often get worse without treatment.

Arthritis Self-Care: Tips You Can Use Right Now

Managing arthritis starts with smart habits. Here are 4 tips our team often shares with patients:

Keep Moving, Even in Small Ways
Gentle activities like walking, tai chi, or water aerobics can help ease stiffness and keep your joints flexible.

Balance Rest and Activity
Rest when your joints feel inflamed but don’t skip movement entirely. Inactivity can make stiffness worse.

Use Assistive Tools
Simple changes like cushioned shoe inserts, jar openers, or ergonomic workstations can reduce daily strain on your joints.

Don’t Guess, Get Diagnosed
Knowing what type of arthritis you have allows for targeted treatment. At SIO, we use on-site diagnostics to get answers fast.

How South Island Orthopedics Supports Joint Health

At South Island Orthopedics, we support patients at every stage of arthritis, whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing chronic symptoms, or considering advanced treatment options. Our goal is to preserve joint function and enhance quality of life through a care plan tailored to your unique needs.

Arthritis affects patients of all ages, from young adults to seniors. That’s why our team is equipped to support individuals across the full age spectrum, offering both surgical and non-surgical solutions.

• Non-surgical care is led by Dr. Hussain, focusing on lifestyle modifications, medications, and minimally invasive treatments.
• Surgical treatment options are available through Dr. DeBellis and Dr. Moss, specializing in advanced procedures when conservative care is no longer effective.

South Island Orthopedics offers arthritis care and support across all locations, including Cedarhurst and Rockville Centre.

Take Action This May

Arthritis doesn’t have to slow you down. Whether you’re dealing with early symptoms or long-term pain, the right care can help you stay active, independent, and in control.

About the Author

Dr. Nicholas DeBellis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist, currently serving as the Medical Director and President of South Island Orthopedics in Cedarhurst, NY. With advanced training from the University of Southern California and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. DeBellis specializes in treating arthritis, joint injuries, and trauma-related conditions. His patient-centered approach emphasizes minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based care to restore mobility and reduce pain. Dr. DeBellis is also actively involved in research focused on improving recovery outcomes and reducing opioid use post-surgery.

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Posted in: Arthritis