une is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on your physical well-being—and that starts with healthy joints. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just trying to stay active as you age, joint health plays a vital role in your quality of life. At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, we see firsthand how joint issues can impact men’s mobility, strength, and independence.

Here are some of the most common joint injuries and conditions affecting men:

🔹 ACL Tears & Knee Injuries – Sports like basketball, soccer, and even recreational running can lead to ligament injuries in the knee, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These injuries are common among active men of all ages.

🔹 Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears – Lifting weights, playing overhead sports (like tennis or baseball), or performing repetitive movements on the job can strain or tear the rotator cuff, causing pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

🔹 Hip Labral Tears & Arthritis – The hip joint is another high-impact area. Men may experience labral tears due to sports or repetitive stress, while hip osteoarthritis becomes more common with age.

🔹 Elbow Tendinitis – Common in men who golf, play tennis, or work with tools, conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) can be painful and persistent if not treated properly.

🔹 Meniscal Tears – Twisting injuries or degenerative changes can cause tears in the meniscus cartilage of the knee, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or bending.

How to Protect Your Joints:

  • Warm up and cool down before physical activity

  • Cross-train to avoid overuse injuries

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints

  • Use proper form during exercise or heavy lifting

  • Rest and recover after strenuous activity

  • Listen to pain—don’t push through it

If you’re experiencing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and help you stay active.

Orthopedic Associates of Long Island is here to support your strength, mobility, and recovery—this month and all year long.