Style isn't just about what you wear - it's about how you move through life.
Whether that's climbing stadium stairs, taking a vacation or working in the yard, the ability to stay active is one of the greatest predictors of quality of life as we age. Yet many people assume stiffness, aching joints and chronic pain are simply part of getting older.
The physicians and providers at Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics’ new Lebanon office say that doesn't have to be the case. Founded in 1949 in Columbus, Georgia by Dr. Jack Hughston, Hughston Clinic - along with its president, Dr. Cornelius - is invested in the health of the community and continuing Dr. Hughston’s legacy of innovation, education, and care for the community.
Remaining active isn't simply about avoiding injury. It's about preserving independence, confidence and the freedom to enjoy everyday life. Many of the biggest factors influencing long-term joint health are well within our control.
"Movement is life," says Dr. Jonathan Cornelius. "If you can't move well, it is very hard to stay healthy. Our job is to keep you in motion."
Across every specialty at Hughston Clinic, the goal is the same: helping patients stay active and continue doing the things they love.
Dr. Shawn Mountain points to growing research showing that inactivity affects far more than sore joints. As we age, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to muscle loss, balance problems and a greater risk of falls and fractures, making strength one of the best investments in long-term health.
Pain Isn't Something You Have to "Live With"
One of the biggest myths orthopedic specialists hear is that pain is simply the price of getting older.
"The short answer is that pain does not have to be part of life as we age," says Dr. Cornelius. While occasional aches may come and go, persistent pain deserves attention because treatments are often available to improve both comfort and quality of life.
Nurse Practitioner Ann Beadle encourages patients not to ignore pain that lingers despite rest or begins interfering with sleep, while Physician Assistant Kristina Moore says pain lasting longer than expected - or discomfort during activities that never used to hurt - is another sign it's time for an evaluation.
Too often, people slowly adapt to pain. They stop taking walks, skip pickleball, avoid stairs or pass on family activities, gradually shrinking their world. Addressing orthopedic concerns early often means more treatment options and better outcomes.
Earlier Care Often Means Better Outcomes
Early intervention doesn't necessarily mean surgery. More often, it means finding ways to avoid it.
Dr. Cornelius notes that arthritis frequently responds well to non-surgical treatments long before joint replacement becomes necessary. Likewise, Dr. Will Melton says conditions such as carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome often improve with simple measures like nighttime bracing and activity modification when caught early.
Orthopedic care has also evolved dramatically. Dr. Cornelius and Kristina Moore point to robotic-assisted joint replacement, which has made procedures more precise and recovery faster. Many procedures that once required hospital stays are now performed on an outpatient basis.
Surgery Isn't the First Answer
Perhaps the biggest misconception patients have is that walking into an orthopedic clinic automatically means they'll need surgery.
"The biggest misconception about seeing an orthopaedic surgeon is that it will likely lead to surgery," says Dr. Lucas Richie. "A majority of patients seeing an orthopaedist can be treated without surgery."
Dr. Cornelius agrees, emphasizing that surgery is only one of many tools available to help patients feel and move better.
Dr. Melton puts it even more simply: "Surgery is rarely the answer at the first visit. It should always be the last option."
Dr. Jennifer O'Donnell shares that philosophy in her spine practice, explaining that she first works to exhaust nonsurgical treatment options whenever possible. While some spinal conditions ultimately require surgery, patients deserve to understand every available option before moving forward.
Instead, every treatment plan begins with understanding the person - not just the diagnosis.
"I always tell patients that I am treating them and not their X-ray," says Dr. Melton. Learning about a patient's family, responsibilities and personal goals helps shape the best path forward.
Dr. Richie believes every patient has unique goals and circumstances, while Dr. Mountain emphasizes involving patients in treatment decisions. Dr. O'Donnell adds that even patients undergoing the same procedure may require very different surgical approaches, reinforcing that orthopedic care is never one-size-fits-all.
Small Habits Make a Big Difference
Protecting your joints doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes.
While each provider has a different specialty, their advice is remarkably consistent: keep moving. For spine health, Dr. O'Donnell recommends daily walking, regular exercise, good posture and maintaining a healthy weight. Across the Hughston team, the message is clear: pair regular movement with strength training, balanced nutrition, quality sleep and low-impact activities like walking, yoga or cycling to help maintain mobility for years to come.
Their message is simple: healthy aging isn't about slowing down - it's about preparing your body to keep doing the things you love.
As Dr. Richie puts it, "We don't stop moving because we get old - we get old because we stop moving."
Whether your goal is traveling with confidence, enjoying your favorite hobbies or keeping up with your grandchildren, taking care of your body today is one of the best investments you can make in tomorrow. Because confidence never goes out of style - and neither does the freedom to keep moving.
Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics’ new Lebanon office is located at 115 Willard Hagan Drive, Suite 100. For more information, visit tn.hughston.com.
Activities That Never Go Out Of Style:
- Walking every day
- Saying yes to the pickleball game
- Playing on the floor with your grandkids
- Standing a little taller with good posture
- Listening when your body tells you something isn't right
- Seeking care before pain limits your life
The physicians and providers at Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics agree that healthy aging isn't about slowing down - it's about protecting your ability to keep doing the things you love. After all, confidence never goes out of style... and neither does movement.
Healthy aging isn't about slowing down - it's about preparing your body to keep doing the things you love.