Joint Health Matters at every Age

Expert advice for staying active and preventing arthritis

Karim “Dr. Shark” Elsharkawy, M.D.

As running clubs, community walks and recreational fitness activities grow across the Borderplex, orthopaedic specialists say joint pain should not automatically discourage people from staying active.

During Arthritis Awareness Month in May, Karim “Dr. Shark” Elsharkawy, M.D., a Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, encourages adults to pay attention to the warning signs of joint problems. He also advises them to prioritize overall health and wellness.

“We definitely see more active people, whether it’s running or other activities,” said Dr. Elsharkawy, who also serves as an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation in the Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech Health El Paso. “I’m seeing the community here becoming more active, which is really a good thing.”

According to Dr. Elsharkawy, many complaints about joint pain or discomfort among recreational runners are linked to conditioning, improper preparation or overuse. He recommends that new runners ease slowly into their training routines, wear proper footwear, and avoid the urge to push through persistent pain. It’s advice many experienced runners and other athletes understand: By warming up and training smart, you can reap the reward of a pain-free, active lifestyle.

“Dr. Shark,” (far right) and his colleagues at the 2026 Walk to Cure Arthritis at Ascarate Park on May 2.

“Many people are eager to go all out when they start training, but starting slow is more effective,” Dr. Elsharkawy said. “Even at the beginning, you’ve got to warm up because if you don’t, you’re more than likely to injure something or pull a muscle.“

While occasional soreness after activity can be normal, lingering pain, swelling and stiffness may signal a more serious issue. Other warning signs may include difficulty sleeping, difficulty getting out of a chair, swelling or noticeable changes in leg alignment.

“If pain starts during activity and then stays afterward, even after icing it or taking medication, that’s something to pay attention to,” Dr. Elsharkawy said. “If the pain is getting to the point where it limits your activities, go see a specialist.”

Preventing and treating osteoarthritis

Dr. Elsharkway sees patients who have developed osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, prior joint injuries, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

The condition is often seen in older adults, but he says debilitating osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of aging. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar are some of the healthy lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, and allow older patients to enjoy a thriving quality of life.

“Many people delay seeking care because they assume arthritis is simply part of aging. However, advances in treatment and recovery have improved outcomes,” Dr. Elsharkawy said.

For example, robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used in joint replacements, and it offers patients the benefits of reduced post-operative pain and short hospital stays. Some patients are able to return home the day after surgery, he said.

Joining the community in finding a cure

Dr. Shark,” (second from left) and his colleagues at the 2026 Walk to Cure Arthritis at Ascarate Park on May 2.

The Texas Tech Health El Paso Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Department is active in El Paso community, supporting efforts to find a cure for arthritis. As faculty members at the Foster School of Medicine, Dr. Elsharkawy and his colleagues also help train the next generation of physicians in orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation. The department was a sponsor of the 2026 Walk to Cure Arthritis at Ascarate Park on May 2.

The department always makes a point to support and participate in the annual event, which serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about arthritis education, prevention and treatment options in the community.

Above all, Dr. Elsharkawy encourages people not to ignore persistent symptoms – there’s no need to silently endure a life of discomfort and limited mobility.

“The main thing is seeking consultation early,” he said. “It’s much easier to deal with some situations when they’re caught early rather than after they’ve become advanced.” 

To learn more about orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation services at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, visit ttepelpaso.com or call 915-215-5400.

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