All the delicate inner organs of the body like the brain and heart are protected by bones. We can protect ourselves from any injuries by this hard shield. In fact, bones help in the overall movement of our body. They are the support system and we cannot function without them. Bones give structure to our whole body. Moreover, our bones also have minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which help in keeping the bones strong. They even release them into the body when we need them. However, it can be very difficult for a person to survive with weak bones. Poor bone health is especially experienced at old age. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr P.P Kotwal, Chairman, Institute of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, PSRI Hospital & Patron of SeekMed about bone health. Read further to know about signs, causes of poor bone health and some tips to maintain it after 50 years of age.
Signs of poor bone health
Weak bones come with many health problems too. The signs become unavoidable after a certain point of time. Dr P.P Kotwal also talked about the developing issues that are caused by arthritis and osteoporosis. An individual may experience pains and aches, especially in body parts like knee joints, backs and bones, post the age of 50 years. Pain is mostly one of the major signs of poor bone health. Your grip strength might also become very weak with your increasing age.
Also read: World Osteoporosis Day 2020: Understanding The Possible Risk Factors Of Osteoporosis After Pregnancy
Causes of weak bones
People who experience these pains and aches should know the reasons behind it too. Surely, the main causes are Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The changes that take place in the joints and spine are called osteoarthritis and the weakening of bones is known as osteoporosis. In women, osteoporosis occurs after menopause. It causes pains and aches to vary from mild to severe in different individuals. The body gets prone to easy fractures and bone breaking. A person can try making lifestyle changes to reduce the pain of poor bone health. If there's no relief, then there are surgeries to treat osteoarthritis. If you're suffering from this health problem, then along with pains, fractures occur easily after an injury. The most commonly fractured bones are vertebra (spine), wrist and hip joint bones.
Tips to maintain healthy bones after the age of 50
Even after the age of 50, there are a lot of things that you can do to improve your bone health. It is better to follow some ways in the growing years to avoid this problem at a later stage. Here are some tips to maintain healthy bones post the age of 50:
- Increase the consumption of calcium
- Take enough amount of Vitamin D through sunlight or food items
- Stay hydrated
- Quit smoking
- Physical therapy
Also read: Osteoporosis: Causes, Symptoms, What Food Items To Eat And Avoid? Know From Nutritionist Abhilasha V
A person who experiences these symptoms and signs of poor bone health should surely consult a doctor or orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible. The treatment of both arthritis and osteoporosis is simpler in the early stages. They should be treated at the right time and not left ignored.
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