Many people develop arthritis (arthritic conditions) as they age; therefore, walking or sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause discomfort to those aged 65+. The majority do not see seeking help from a healthcare professional as being necessary. Yet proper treatment of arthritic conditions early can often avoid much of the associated discomfort, allow for a greater range of motion, and eliminate more serious complications.
Within this blog post, we will discuss what types of bone and joint problems are common within the elderly population, as well as what types of treatments are available for the bone and joint problems that plague many older adults and how to find an orthopaedic doctor that specializes in treating older adults in Gorakhpur.
Why the incidence of bone and joint problems is increasing with age
With age come normal changes to bones, muscles, and joints due to normal wear and tear. These changes include:
- Decreased bone density
- Wearing away of cartilage
- Decreased muscle strength
- Decreased balance and coordination
These ageing processes collectively increase the probability that people over 65 will suffer from conditions like arthritis due to the associated discomfort and limited range of motion. Receiving timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment allows older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Orthopedic Ailments and Problems Commonly Experienced by Seniors
1. Older Adult Joint Pain
It is common for the elderly to complain about joint pain. Some of the areas that can be affected are:
- Hips
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Ankles
- Back
Movement will usually exacerbate joint pain, while resting will provide relief. Joint stiffness is also typically present upon awakening in the morning.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most frequent, and one of the leading, reasons for pain and disability among senior citizens. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by degenerative joint changes throughout life.
Common symptoms experienced with arthritis include:
- Swelling and/or stiffness
- Pain with joint movements
- Reduced joint flexibility
If you are suffering from arthritis, seeking proper arthritis treatment in Gorakhpur will help to control your pain, as well as slow down the progression of the disease.
3. Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis weakens bones making them more fragile. Many older adults don’t recognize they have osteoporosis until it causes them to fracture.
Some risk factors associated with this disease are:
- Age
- Low levels of Calcium
- Not being physically active
- Hormonal changes
You can find an osteoporosis physician close to me to diagnose the problem early and prevent fractures.
4. Hip Fractures.
Hip fractures in the older population are very serious injuries, often occurring from falling down, resulting in extended time to recover and less ability to move about.
Symptoms indicating you may have a hip fracture:
- Extreme pain in your hip
- Inability to stand or walk without assistance
- One leg shortened or rotated inward, as compared to the other leg
You need to receive prompt treatment for your hip fracture to prevent complications.
5. Back and Spine Issues.
As you age, changes in your spine can result in long term chronic back pain, compressed nerves, and the inability to walk normally. These issues can significantly negatively affect your posture and balance.
Elderly people should seek medical help from an Ortho doctor when suffering from any of the following signs:
- Pain in an area of the body that keeps coming back due to injury or illness.
- Being unable to stand, walk, or eat.
- Frequent falling.
- Sudden swelling, deformity, or changes in size and shape of bones or joints.
- Experiencing pain that makes it difficult to do daily tasks.
- Having to rely on family members or caregivers.
- Getting treatment early can prevent chronic disabilities.
Treatment For Bones And Joints
Your doctor will determine the type of treatment based on the nature and severity of the injury or illness and the overall health of the patient, but most elderly patients do not require surgery for the management of their bone and joint pain.
1. Non Surgical Management Of Bones And Joints
Bone and joint pain can be treated with a number of non surgical management alternatives including:
- Medications (pain control medications).
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Physiotherapy and gentle exercise programs.
- Helping patients change their lifestyles and diets to better manage pain.
- Supplementing an individual's walking ability with assistive devices when warranted.
The above treatment options can reduce pain, improve function/mobility in a safe manner.
2. Treatment of Chronic Pain with Advanced Medicine
Chronic Pain Treatments
To treat chronic pain (moderate to severe pain), the following treatment options are available:
- Joint injections
- Specialized physiotherapy
- Pain management programs
These options may be effective for arthritis and/or spine-related problems.
3. Surgery for Chronic Pain (as Needed)
Surgery is only performed if:
- Your chronic pain has resulted in severe and constant pain.
- Your bones/joints are irreparably damaged.
- You have suffered a fracture that may need repair or replacement.
Common procedures include:
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Repair of fractured bone(s)
Orthopedic doctors who are trained/certified will provide you with a full explanation of the risks and recovery after surgical intervention has been recommended.
Choosing an Orthopedic Doctor in Gorakhpur
It is critically important to find the right orthopedic physician for your elderly family member. The right orthopedic physician will:
- Know how bones change as people age
- Prefer to provide conservative and safe treatment alternatives for your family member
- Provide guidance to family members about home care for their family member
- Provide your family member a greater quality of life
Makapt can help your family identify reliable orthopedic physicians in your city (Gorakhpur) who have experience with treating elderly patients.
As People get Older, Bone & Joint Health are Very Important.
Here are Some Easy Ways to Help Minimize Pain and Prevent Injuries.
- Eat a healthy diet with a lot of calcium in it
- Incorporate moderate physical activity into your day, like walking or stretching
- Try not to walk on waxed floors or other slippery surfaces in your house
- Choose shoes that fit your feet well
- Get an annual bone density test to check your bones for health concerns
- Taking preventative measures is really important.
conclusion
If you're over the age of 70 and experience any pain, get checked out. You can often have a full and active life after getting the right care. Be sure to understand what kinds of orthopedic problems older adults can have, how to find the right treatment options for bone and joint pain, and how to work with qualified professionals in order to continue your active lifestyle into your advanced years.
To find qualified orthopedic physicians such as those who treat arthritis or hip fractures, you will want to go to a company like Makapt that specializes in connecting people looking for quality healthcare options with those offering quality healthcare services.
- Book your appointment today for your loved ones to improve their overall bone and joint health!