Posted on 08-12-2026 by Dr. Christopher Bookout, Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Joshua Hackel, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Matthew Mai, Dr. Erik Nilssen, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander, Dr. James Piorkowski, Dr. Ryan Riggs, Dr. Brett Smith
As we reflect on 2025, we’re proud of the educational content shared on the North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists blog throughout the year. From joint replacement planning to arthritis education and seasonal wellness tips, our goal remains the same: to empower our community with trusted, physician-led orthopaedic insight.
Based on organic website engagement metrics, here are the Top 5 most-read blog posts of 2025, with a snapshot of the topics that resonated most with our readers.
1. Physician Assistant Week 2025
Earning the top spot in 2025, this post celebrates the critical role Physician Assistants play in delivering high-quality orthopaedic care at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists. By highlighting their clinical expertise, collaborative approach, and dedication to patient experience, the article offered readers a meaningful look at the professionals who help ensure continuity of care at every visit.
2. Planning for Joint Replacement in the New Year
This highly engaging article from Dr. Brett Smith guided readers through key considerations for planning joint replacement surgery, including timing, preparation, and recovery expectations. Its strong performance reflects the value patients place on proactive education when making informed decisions about improving mobility and quality of life.
Read Planning for Joint Replacement Post
3. Show Your Joints Some Love
Encouraging readers to prioritize joint health through everyday habits, Dr. Josh Hackel combined practical tips with an approachable, seasonal message. From movement and preventive care to listening to your body, the article resonated with readers seeking simple, actionable ways to support long-term bone and joint health.
Read Show Your Joints Some Love
4. Arthritis Awareness Month: Resources for Relief and Education
Published in recognition of Arthritis Awareness Month, this educational resource connected readers with valuable information from all of our NFBJS Physicians about managing arthritis symptoms and understanding available treatment options. Its strong engagement underscores the ongoing need for credible guidance for those living with arthritis and joint pain.
Read Arthritis Relief and Education Resources Post
5. Hydration & Joint Health: Staying Fluid in the Florida Heat
Living along the Gulf Coast means heat and humidity are a way of life, and this blog addressed how hydration plays a critical role in joint health, especially in Florida’s climate. Readers connected with this timely, practical guidance on supporting joint function and overall wellness during the warmer months.
Read Hydration & Joint Health Post
Thank You for Reading
We’re grateful to our readers for making these posts the most-engaged content of 2025. Your interest reinforces our commitment to providing relevant, educational resources that support healthy movement at every stage of life. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue sharing expert insight, seasonal guidance, and stories from our dedicated team in the year to come.
Be sure to check back often and explore our full Blog archive for more orthopaedic education and updates from North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists. Click play below to watch The Bone & Joint Brief video on this article!
Have you ever taken a step and felt like there was a pebble stuck in your shoe, only to stop, check, and find nothing there? It's a surprisingly common complaint. Many patients describe the sensation as though they're walking on a small rock, a wrinkle in their sock, or something that simply won't go away. While it may seem like a minor annoyance at first, persistent pain in the ball of the foot is often your body's way of signaling that something isn't functioning as it should. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, understanding what may be behind the discomfort is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
For many patients living with chronic low back pain (LBP) and advanced knee arthritis, there comes a point when the treatments that once provided relief no longer seem to work as well. Medications may offer only temporary comfort, injections may become less effective over time, and everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair can become increasingly difficult. At that point, many patients ask the same question: "Am I ready for surgery, or are there other options I should consider first?" The answer is rarely as simple as "yes" or "no."
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase public understanding of arthritis and its impact on millions of lives. Established by the Arthritis Foundation, this national observance highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.