Orthopedic problems are often related to some type of stress, strain, or damage involving muscles, ligaments, and joints. Adults, in particular, can experience muscle-related discomfort due to age-related conditions, temporary inflammation, and corresponding medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Common signs of aging include gray hair and wrinkled skin but there are also signs that we can’t see. As we age, our bones and joints age too and many people experience some form of orthopedic disorders as they age. Those aches and “creaking” bones can be symptoms of an issue that may benefit from orthopedic treatment.
Here are Three very common orthopedic issues for the elderly :
1- Osteoarthritis :
When most people think about arthritis, they are thinking of osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease most often felt in the joints of your hands, fingers, ankles, knees, and spine. When it progresses, osteoarthritis can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce its impact and decrease pain.
- Stay active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get enough sleep
Also, Orthopedics can help treat help manage pain through a variety of techniques like massage therapy
2- Fractures & dislocations :
As bones age, they tend to become weaker and more brittle – more easily broken. Older people with unsteady balance or vision problems are also at a higher risk of falling. Combine that with weaker bones and you have the perfect recipe for fractures and dislocated joints. There are many different types of fractures and dislocations, all of which can benefit from orthopedic intervention.
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Fall prevention is your strongest weapon against fractures and dislocations. Regular exercise can improve your balance. Strength training exercises are a good way to increase bone strength. Talk to your doctor about the best exercise program for your needs.
3- Neck Pain:
Muscle tension in the cervical spine can result in corresponding neck and pain that can be further aggravated by wear and tear of discs and joints. Herniated cervical discs and injury to tendons and muscles can contribute to neck pain that may radiate to the back and shoulders. Whiplash resulting from sudden, sharp movement is a common neck injury requiring attention if the pain lingers or becomes worse.
4- Osteoporosis :
Osteoporosis is a disease marked by decreasing bone mass, density, and quality, making bones weak and brittle. If left unchecked, it can lead to fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men but it can happen to anyone. Often there are no symptoms and the first signs of osteoporosis are seen from a fracture. Your primary care physician can help you determine your risk for osteoporosis and give you tips for prevention.
5- Shoulder Pain:
As with neck pain, shoulder pain can either be localized or radiate to nearby areas, often into the arms. Rotator cuff injuries result from damage to any of the four muscles that stabilize each shoulder joint. The large, bulky bursa muscles that support the shoulders can also be damaged by sharp blows or hard falls. The resulting inflammation is referred to as bursitis.
If you are in need of orthopedic care, turn to the experts at BlueTreeClinics, our orthopedic team is ready to help with accessible and comprehensive care.