A medical specialist has highlighted the Sunshine Coast’s strong culture of movement, saying the region’s outdoor lifestyle plays a key role in keeping the community active and engaged.
“One of the best things about life on the Sunshine Coast is how active our community is,” says orthopaedic surgeon Dr Navi Bali.
“Whether it’s an early morning surf, soft sand beach walk, weekend mountain bike ride or a competitive pickleball match, staying active is part of what makes this place so special.”
Dr Bali and his wife Bec, a nurse, run the Sunny Coast Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic. His speciality is looking after patients’ hips, knees, feet and ankles.
He cautioned that an active lifestyle is not without risk as lower limb injuries are very common.
“From runner’s knee with pain around the kneecap, to ACL and meniscus knee injuries, or even ankle pain and ligament injuries – these are all common conditions we see from people living their best life and getting out and about in the surf, on a bike, or out on a trail,” he said.
“We are also seeing more patients with hip and knee arthritis pain as the result of either injuries when younger, or simply a very active lifestyle, which can gradually limit mobility and everyday activity.
“Many people continue exercising through pain, assuming it will settle with time. However, persistent pain, swelling or instability can sometimes indicate a more significant injury.
“The good news is we have more techniques to manage these issues earlier, before they become long-term problems.”
Dr Bali consults at the Sunny Coast Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic and also operates at Buderim Private Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and Noosa Hospital.
He said if people are pushing through pain, it’s worth getting it checked out.
“The earlier we assess an injury, the more options we usually have to help you recover and get back to doing what you love,” he said.
Dr Bali added that surgery was not always the first step.
“Many patients benefit from non-operative treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections or ablation techniques, which can reduce pain and support the body’s natural healing process,” he said.
Dr Bali is a top 10 volume surgeon in Queensland for robotic mako hip and knee replacements. Robotic technology allows him to plan and perform surgery with a level of accuracy that wasn’t possible before.
“Robotic surgery is pretty established now and has the potential benefits of better implant positioning and a smoother recovery for patients,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast is made for those who want that outdoors lifestyle, and the goal is always to keep you active and healthy and get on and life that best life.”
Contact Dr Bali’s office for a consultation by phoning 5228 0700, follow Sunny Coast Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic on Facebook, or visit the website.
