Hospital Compare has recognized UMass Memorial Medical Center as having the lowest infection rates for joint replacement (hip/knee) patients in Central Massachusetts, and one of the best in the state (Source: Medicare.gov, Hospital Compare). This means that our patients receive high quality, excellent care and extraordinary infection prevention protocols before and after surgery, ensuring faster, healthier recovery and best possible outcomes. Learn more about our joint replacement program.

Can Food Affect Arthritis Inflammation?

You are what you eat! Especially when you have arthritis! As you battle arthritis, your body is in an inflammatory state so what you eat may not only increase inflammation, but it can also set you up for other chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

So before you take that next bite, consider these eight foods that trigger inflammation:

1. Sugar and aspartame
   
2. Saturated fats (pizza and cheese are the biggest sources)
   
3. Trans fats (foods with partially hydrogenated oils)
   
4. Omega 6 fatty acids (found in corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil and various nuts and seeds)
   
5. Refined carbohydrates (white flour products)
   
6. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
   
7. Gluten and casein (often found in dairy products)
   
8. Alcohol

Source: Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Diet

Podcast: Advances and Expertise in Total Joint Replacement Surgery

David Ayers, MD, Chair, UMass Memorial Medical Center Department of Orthopedics, Discusses National Leadership Role and Expertise in Total Joint Replacement Surgery on the Jordan Levy Show, WTAG-AM Radio.

Please note: If you are having trouble viewing this, please use another internet browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

Bone Spurs Are a Thorny Problem

If you wonder what that stabbing pain is in your heel, it may be a bone spur.

Bone spur is a general term used to describe a knobby, abnormal bone growth. Scientists believe bone spurs happen because of osteoarthritis or when the body tries to heal itself after a trauma by replacing bone. Spurs may grow on top of any of the midfoot joints, and they can also form on your toe. Sometimes a spur can form where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. In most cases, walking and wearing shoes is painful. There are several nonsurgical treatments for bone spurs, but if these are not effective, surgery can be considered. Read more.

Welcome Daniel Aaron, MD - Our Newest Orthopedic Surgeon

Daniel Aaron, MD, orthopedic surgeon, is welcoming new patients at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Dr. Aaron completed his fellowship in orthopedic surgery from Brown University - Rhode Island Hospital, with a special focus on shoulder surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Aaron is specially trained in state-of-the-art shoulder replacement procedures.

For an appointment with Dr. Aaron or to learn more about our extensive breadth of orthopedic services, call 855-UMASS-MD.

In the News
Dr. David Ayers on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Joint Replacement

Joint Friendly
Recipe of the Month
Dark Chocolate Chip Oat Bars (Gluten-Free, Gout-Friendly)

Web Resources
A Nation in Motion

Arthritis Foundation

Force TJR

National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases

My Health at
UMass Memorial

OrthoInfo