
Get Moving Again This Arthritis Awareness Month

By Daniel C. Smith, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery & Total Joint Replacement Specialist
Somers Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Group
At Somers Orthopaedics, we know how limiting joint pain can be. That’s why we’re highlighting Arthritis Awareness Month, because knowledge and action are key to staying mobile and active.
What Exactly Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 joint-related conditions. While osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type, affecting millions, other forms include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout
These conditions share one thing in common: inflammation that damages joint tissue, causes pain, and can interfere with your lifestyle.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Many people assume joint pain is just a part of aging—but arthritis isn’t something to ignore. If left untreated, it can lead to joint damage, reduced mobility, and lower quality of life. Early diagnosis allows for better outcomes through:
- Nonoperative/conservative care (e.g., physical therapy, bracing)
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Access to treatments like regenerative therapies or joint injections
Smart Ways to Support Your Joints
Here are four practical ways to support joint health—especially during Arthritis Awareness Month:
Mix Up Your Movement: Avoid overusing the same joints by varying your workouts. Swimming, yoga, and elliptical machines are all great options.
Watch Your Weight: Even a 10-pound weight loss can relieve pressure on your knees and hips, significantly easing arthritis symptoms.
Know Your Triggers: Keep a journal of food, activities, and symptoms to spot patterns that aggravate your joints.
Prioritize Posture: Whether at work or on the couch, maintaining good posture can reduce joint stress and prevent misalignment.
How Somers Orthopaedics Helps Patients Manage Arthritis at Every Stage
Arthritis can affect people at any age, not just older adults. At Somers Orthopaedics, we support patients across all life stages with a full range of surgical and non-surgical options designed to relieve pain and protect joint health.
Whether you're experiencing early signs of arthritis or exploring more advanced interventions, our team creates individualized care plans to match your needs and goals.
- Our non-surgical treatments may include medications, joint injections, and other conservative therapies.
- When needed, surgical services such as joint replacement or minimally invasive procedures are available.
Dr. Daniel Smith is currently seeing patients out of our Carmel, Mount Kisco, and Fishkill offices. For more details, visit our Doctors page and explore our arthritis care services to find the right path forward.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel C. Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult reconstruction, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. He earned his medical degree from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center, affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He went on to complete advanced fellowship training at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, focusing on complex and revision joint replacement procedures, including robotic-assisted techniques.
Dr. Smith’s clinical practice includes minimally invasive and rapid recovery joint replacement surgery, with a focus on improving outcomes through navigation- and robotic-assisted technologies. He treats patients at Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group in New York and Connecticut.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Smith has authored numerous publications and presented on joint replacement advancements at regional and national meetings. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
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