As the age of an individual increases, the maintenance of bone, muscle, and joint health becomes crucial. This is where orthopedic care comes into play. For elderly individuals, this form of care is exceptionally significant as they generally face specific bone and muscle-related challenges. Older people frequently struggle with severe conditions which include arthritis and osteoporosis, which can result in joint pain, weaken their bones as well as reduce their mobility. These issues impact their daily activities and quality of life. If you are also someone facing similar issues, and thinking to visit ortho doctor in ludhiana, read this blog first – where we are going to provide important aspects of orthopedic care for seniors. So let’s start our discussion.
Common orthopedic issues in senior citizens
Osteoarthritis:
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 individuals over the age 65 is affected by Osteoarthritis. It is a condition that predominantly impacts the fingers, ankles, hands, spine, and knees. This decreases the overall performance of routine activities, especially those involving movement, flexibility, and motor skills. Seeking advice from an orthopedic surgeon in ludhiana can provide you strategies to remove discomfort and enhance flexibility.
Osteoporosis:
Bone mass is at the best form around the age of 30, gradually declining with age. This condition typically increases your risk of osteoporosis when you get older and have less bone density. If the rate of your bone loss tends to be greater than the rate of your bone formation, then your bones can become fragile & weak.
Dislocations:
In the case of a joint dislocation, the bones within the joint may shift from their normal alignment, often resulting from certain incident like a fall. The sudden impact can displace the bones from their intended position. Those experiencing dislocated joints, particularly older individuals, may experience immediate discomfort that can be alleviated with prompt medical attention to properly realign the joint.
Fractures:
A major concern encountered by the elder people is the decrease in bone density as they age, particularly affecting those women who are in their menopause phase. Research shows that if we compare a younger woman with a 70 year old woman, the risk of fracture is five times more in the older woman during the rest of her life. You have to engage them in strengthening exercises at an early age. This will be beneficial for increasing their bone strength and reducing the chances of fractures.
Tips for stronger bones and better mobility for senior individuals
There are certain activities that are recommended by specialized orthopaedic doctor which can ultimately contribute to the development of your bones, enabling you to sustain your favorite physical activity, enhance your mobility and make you independent in your old age. We recommend you the following tips:
Stay active:
Regular physical activities which include low-impact work-outs like walking, swimming, yoga, etc., is a major factor contributing to good orthopaedic health for seniors. These activities will help you in preserving your joint flexibility & muscle strength. These activities will promote overall well-being & also minimize your risk of falls as well as fractures, which are quite prevalent issues these days among the elderlies.
Maintain your diet:
Proper nutrition is important more than anything for maintaining your orthopaedic health. So you have to make sure that you get a well-balanced diet which contains all kinds of nutrients that promote strong bones & optimal joint function. Doctors advise to include important nutrients such as calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which can be found in dairy products, fish, nuts and leafy vegetables.
Ensure proper foot care:
Your feet are frequently subjected to the effects of aging and failing to prioritize your foot health will certainly impact your every day mobility. It is highly recommended that you go for comfortable & supportive footwear, if you have specific issues with your feet. It is always a good idea to seek advice from an experienced ortho doctor in ludhiana for appropriate care if you are feeling pain or other kind of discomfort in your foot.
Prioritize your bone health:
As individuals progress in age, the maintenance of their robust and healthy bones becomes highly important. Osteoporosis is common among older adults & often tends to result in fractures or limitations in their movement. To promote your bone strength, it is recommended to maintain a suitable consumption of your calcium and vitamins like vitamin D, participate in weight-bearing physical activities, and avoid smoking as well as excessive alcohol consumption.
Joint Care:
Ensuring optimal joint health is essential in orthopaedic care for our senior people. It is advisable to integrate joint-friendly practices into your daily routine to reduce joint stress and prevent conditions such as osteoarthritis. This includes choosing your low-impact exercises, employing proper body mechanics during lifting or carrying tasks, and sustaining a healthy weight to reduce overall strain on your joints.
If you’re experiencing any kind of pain in your muscles, joints, or bones even when you are following all above mentioned tips, you should seek treatment from ortho doctor in ludhiana so that your issue is resolved as early as possible.
The doctor will prescribe you treatment according to your health issues. The treatment may include one or a combination of the following:
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy may be recommended for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis in order to minimize pain and other associated symptoms. It is common as an initial treatment before going for any surgical options, with the goal of healing your pain or injury through exercises & therapies.
- Surgery:– In certain circumstances, surgery may be the optimal solution to facilitate the restoration of mobility and minimization of persistent pain. Most of the elder people undergo knee and hip replacement procedures to improve their mobility and quality of life. Among the most prevalent surgeries for the people above 60 years are
- Knee replacement surgery,
- Shoulder replacement surgery,
- Hip replacement surgery,
- Spinal surgery etc.
You have to focus on orthopaedic care in younger age if you wish to promote graceful aging. By advocating for physical activity, emphasizing bone and joint health, following a nutritious diet, and prioritizing proper foot care, seniors can improve their overall wellness and experience a more dynamic and satisfying lifestyle. Dr. Tanveer Singh Bhutani, an experienced orthopaedic doctor in ludhiana, provides you with appropriate suggestions for your problems and encourage you to take proactive steps towards enhancing your ortho health. So, book your appointment today.
