An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Fitness 

Before completing my sports medicine fellowship at Ohio State and returning home to begin my orthopedic practice, I was a high school athlete.

I played football and baseball right here in Shreveport at Captain Shreve. I am still proud to call myself a Gator. Sports and fitness have always been a major part of my life, ultimately leading to my choice of profession.

After joining my practice, it became obvious I wasn’t the only orthopedist who had been a high school athlete or had an ongoing love of sports and fitness. There are 12 partners in my group. Our ages range from the 30s to 70s, and most of us are former high school/collegiate athletes. We are a mix of Cross Fit addicts, avid golfers and tennis players, runners, walkers, hunters and fishermen. We also are the parents and grandparents of football players, soccer players, baseball/softball players, basketball players, gymnasts, dancers, etc. Sports and fitness are no longer recreational pursuits of our youth, but now an important factor in maintaining our health and well-being.

So, with a busy practice, a lovely wife and three active little boys, how do I maintain a healthy fitness regimen? I follow this regimen:

1) I train for events like Tough Mudder, a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces. Goals inspire motivation. Training to participate in events like Tough Mudder require one to focus on cardio and increase strength daily. Like Cross Fit, you become part of a community, which allows for greater accountability.

2) I coach for my boys’ teams and plan activities with my family. Sure, my boys are young, so the training may not be superintense. However, running after these little guys propels me to stay in shape.

3) I love golf, and I will not forget it. I’ll admit that I’m a living cliché: I’m a doctor who likes golf. So some days I secretly hope I get to cut the clinic early to hit the links. I’m always striving to better my game. And if I am lucky enough to play, I am happy to get a little extra cardio in by being my own caddy.

4) I practice what I preach. Plus, the better the shape I am in, the better resource I am to my patients.

So with all the benefits of exercise, why are we not all joining the gym, becoming a Cross Fit junkie or even just taking a walk around the block for 30 minutes? Because we are living longer, we are learning that maintaining a healthy level of exercise in our 30s, 40s and 50s can greatly assist in

sustaining a healthy weight and muscle strength. Consistent exercise and healthy diet throughout middle age is also a considerable factor in the prevention of hypertension and heart disease later in life. One of the most common excuses is that there is not enough time in our busy schedule because middle age comes with more responsibilities and less free time. Another factor is injury or joint pain.

Many patients come in for an evaluation complaining about joint pain – knee, hip, shoulder, foot or back pain. This hinders their ability to maintain a fitness regimen because of this pain. Lack of exercise often leads to weight gain and muscle weakness. They may think they are too young for an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or too young and too busy for possible orthopedic surgery.

Today, with advancements in orthopedic care and the non-surgical and surgical options in orthopedics, there are options that allow for shorter recovery times and quicker return to an active lifestyle. With robotic innovation, we currently offer partial knee replacement and total hip replacement. Within the next year, we are hoping to offer robotic total knee replacement and in the next four to five years robotic total shoulder replacement. This robotic technology means shorter recovery periods and consistent results.

So, I will end with a few suggestions: 1. Nike says it best: “JUST DO IT!” – whether it’s a walk around the block after dinner or walking with a co-worker at lunch. Try to add 30 minutes of cardio into your day. Also, don’t forget strengthening exercises. Fifty sit-ups, 25 push-ups, 25 squats equals a healthy heart and healthy joints.

2. Don’t necessarily believe the old adage, “no pain, no gain.” If something hurts and prevents you from maintaining an exercise regimen, consult an orthopedic surgeon or your general practitioner. If you hurt, you are less likely to be able to maintain an exercise regimen.

3. Make fitness fun and incorporate opportunities to include family and friends.

Stay active, and remember: If you are just getting back into any type of fitness regimen, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before doing so.

Shreveport’s own Val Irion, MD, joined OrthopedicSpecialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport in 2013. Dr. Irion is passionate about sports and medicine, which have aligned well in his orthopedic practice. He specializes in sports injuries, disorders of the shoulder and knee and shares an increasing interest in MAKOplasty – robotic Partial Knee Replacement.