loader from loading.io

23. Osteoarthritis Unlocked: Lifestyle Hacks to Beat Pain and Avoid Surgery

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Release Date: 12/27/2024

52. When to Question Your Doctor (and Why It Matters) show art 52. When to Question Your Doctor (and Why It Matters)

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: that you should fully trust your doctor without question. While physicians often care deeply about their patients, they are also human—limited by time, bias, systems, and expertise. This conversation is about reclaiming agency in your healthcare, learning how to ask better questions, and becoming an active participant in decisions that affect your long-term health and healthspan. Dr. Hassell explores common pitfalls in modern medicine—like “anchoring” on one diagnosis,...

info_outline
51. Go Outside and Play: How Movement, Purpose, and Faith Can Heal the Body show art 51. Go Outside and Play: How Movement, Purpose, and Faith Can Heal the Body

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

What does health, purpose, faith, and play all have in common? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, we dive into why movement, community, and purpose are essential to lifelong health—especially for kids and families. Miles Hassell MD sits down with Tyler LaRoche, pastor and founder of Legacy Sports, to talk about reclaiming play as a tool for discipleship, physical health, and community building. From the dangers of sedentary lifestyles and overreliance on pain medications to the role of purpose in disease prevention, this conversation challenges modern assumptions about...

info_outline
50. 8 Longevity Secrets (That Won't Cost a Dime) show art 50. 8 Longevity Secrets (That Won't Cost a Dime)

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the no-gimmick fundamentals of living free of preventable disease and feeling better. No expensive tests. No complicated biohacking. Just simple habits that actually work. You’ll learn why home-cooked whole foods beat anything factory-made, why getting short of breath during exercise daily is essential, how waistline control reverses chronic disease, and why purpose, generosity, and play keep your brain young. Key Takeaways: Eat real whole foods cooked at home; avoid ultra-processed foods. Follow a simple Mediterranean-style diet with fruits,...

info_outline
49. Holiday Eating Without Sabotaging Your Health show art 49. Holiday Eating Without Sabotaging Your Health

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

The holidays don’t have to mean weight gain, regret, or a health reset in January. In this Christmas special, Miles Hassell MD breaks down how to fully enjoy the season while protecting your long-term health. Learn why ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol hit harder than you think—and how simple planning can help you celebrate without self-sabotage. You can enjoy treats, stay active, and feel great heading into the new year. Key Takeaways: You can enjoy the holidays without gaining weight or wrecking your health Ultra-processed foods, sugar, and excess alcohol have real...

info_outline
48. Vitamin D Supplements: Do They Work? show art 48. Vitamin D Supplements: Do They Work?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Most people take vitamin D pills because their doctor, a commercial, or a supplement aisle told them to.  But do vitamin D supplements actually improve your health? In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down what the evidence really shows — and why vitamin D sources found in nature may be far more powerful. We dive into the massive gap between blood levels of vitamin D and whether supplements actually work, the risks of “false confidence” in pills, and the often-overlooked benefits of sunlight, food, weight management, and real lifestyle habits. Key Takeaways Supplements rarely...

info_outline
47. Do You Need A Statin? show art 47. Do You Need A Statin?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You’ll learn how to interpret risk statistics (like relative vs absolute risk), why lifestyle may outperform medication for many people, and why statins are helpful for some—yet potentially unnecessary or...

info_outline
46. Preventing Fractures & Building Stronger Bones show art 46. Preventing Fractures & Building Stronger Bones

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this special Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor episode, Miles Hassell MD tackles one of the most important, yet misunderstood health topics: osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Rather than focusing on numbers from a Dexa scan or quick prescriptions, this episode empowers you with real, actionable steps to build stronger bones and improve your long-term health with evidence-based lifestyle tools. You’ll learn why lifestyle choices—good food you make at home, sunlight, and movement—often outperform medications in maintaining bone health. The discussion blends current research, humor, and...

info_outline
45. Why Pills Aren't Saving You (But This Might): Link in Description show art 45. Why Pills Aren't Saving You (But This Might): Link in Description

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

This week we are featuring a recent podcast recorded at George Fox University, called George Fox Talks. Erika Barber, MD talks with Miles Hassell MD about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body’s ability to resist disease.    Watch the full episode through the links provided.   YouTube:  Apple Pocasts:  Spotify:    Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine,...

info_outline
44. Is Your Blood Pressure Medicine Making You Sicker? show art 44. Is Your Blood Pressure Medicine Making You Sicker?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Are blood pressure medications saving lives—or quietly making things worse? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD takes a hard look at the role of blood pressure drugs. While medications can protect against stroke and heart damage, they also carry serious side effects—from fatigue and dizziness to diabetes and falls in older adults. The bigger issue? Medications can distract from the most powerful treatment of all: lifestyle change. Eating better, moving more, trimming excess weight, and cutting harmful habits often work better than pills—and without the...

info_outline
43. How to Be Young at an Old Age with Mac Lake show art 43. How to Be Young at an Old Age with Mac Lake

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with author Mac Lake to explore the connection between faith, health, and personal responsibility. Mac Lake is a highly respected leader, author, and founder of Multiply Group, where he helps leaders and organizations develop strategies to multiply their leadership impact. An inspirational trainer and leadership coach, Mac is gifted at simplifying complex ideas into actionable strategies that anyone can implement to achieve transformative results in their personal life, team, and organization. He has written seven...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Welcome to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, an evidence-based podcast with Miles Hassell MD. In this episode, we tackle osteoarthritis and how lifestyle choices can help prevent or alleviate its effects. Dr. Hassell provides practical advice on reducing pain, improving mobility, and possibly avoiding joint replacement through exercise, weight management, and a Mediterranean-style diet. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or looking to maintain healthy joints for the future, this episode is packed with actionable tips to empower your health journey.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Movement is Medicine: Regular, varied exercises like water walking, tai chi, and resistance training can reduce stiffness, improve function, and lower surgery risks.
  2. Weight Loss Matters: Shedding even a few pounds significantly reduces joint stress and pain.
  3. Diet is Key: Avoid refined carbs, prioritize fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, and consider natural sources of calcium and probiotics.
  4. Supplements for Joint Health: A three-month trial of glucosamine sulfate, MSM, gelatin/collagen, and niacinamide may provide relief for some.
  5. Long-term Benefits: Lifestyle changes can reverse type 2 diabetes, normalize blood pressure, and even reduce cancer risks, underscoring the power of daily habits.
References:
Katz et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association. 2021 Feb 9;325(6):568–78
Gay, C et al. Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for their hip and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic literature review. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2016. 59(3):174-183
OA prevention. Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. 2021
Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7): p. 330-4
Zaharia OP et al. Reduced muscle strength Is associated with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients with osteoarthritis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2021. 106 (4), 1062–1073
Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7):330-4
Phytomedicine 10(1):3-7, 2003, cited in IM News 1 Nov 2003:19
Pavelka et al. Efficacy and safety of piascledine 300 versus chondroitin sulfate in a 6 months treatment plus 2 months observation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical rheumatology. 2010 29(6):659–670
Vasquez A. Reducing pain and inflammation naturally -- part 3: Improving overall health while safely and effectively treating musculoskeletal pain. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition. 2005 Apr; 28(2):34–44
 
See more about the patient story Dr. Hassell shared:
 
In his practice, Dr. Hassell recommends his patients use this osteoarthritis cocktail (daily) as a 3 month trial:
Glucosamine 1500mg daily
MSM 3000 mg daily
Gelatin 1 sachet daily
Niacinamide 1000mg daily
 
So what do I do?
Ten tips from the pages of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th edition
Consider daily exercise a prescription.  Take 30 minutes or more daily to decrease your waistline, reduce heart disease risk, and improve mood and libido.  Add small doses to your routine like 10 jumping jacks every time you brush your teeth (pp. 27 & 72-73).
Eat a wide variety of vegetables (p.37)
Eat whole, intact grains (pp. 39-40, 66, & 99)
Eat whole fruit (pp. 11, 36-37, & 96)
Cook with extra-virgin olive oil (p. 41)
Eat oil-rich fish, 2-7 servings per week (pp. 11 & 41-43)
Eat raw nuts, seeds, beans, & lentils (pp. 11, 38, 41-42, 103 & 105)
Have some cultured dairy (full fat plain yogurt, kefir, etc) daily (pp. 47-49 & 118)
Eat modest amounts of unprocessed meat, poultry & eggs (pp. 11, 41-42 & 44-45)
Enjoy wine (< 5 ounces daily) (pp. 11 & 58)
Minimize or avoid: Sitting (get out of your chair and move your body every hour or so), sugars, sweet drinks, white flour, and processed foods (p. 20).