Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Endocrinology, Geriatrics, Health Tips, Orthopedics
Remember those skeletons that hung in many of our elementary school classrooms growing up? The one component of those models is bone: humans are born with up to 270 of them! It is clearly important for us to protect this crucial framework in order to preserve a high quality of life.
One concern as we get older is osteoporosis, a condition of thin and porous bones. Aging, which we cannot prevent (at least not yet!), is the greatest risk factor for osteoporosis. Bones thin over time because the hormones estrogen and testosterone—which are important to maintaining bone density—both decline with age. We all know bone fractures can be debilitating, especially for the elderly, so, as with all medical conditions, prevention is paramount. (more…)
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Geriatrics, Health Tips, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, Rehab Medicine
Osetoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of a joint or joints due to excessive wear and tear. While OA can affect joints throughout the body, it commonly affects those in the hand. People with hand OA often report feeling generalized pain and morning stiffness in the joints. In regard to appearance, people with hand OA often have enlarged knuckles and excessive bone growth on the sides of the fingers.
Although hand arthritis symptoms may be quite severe, there are many simple remedies that can help one decrease pain and stiffness. (more…)
May 13, 2013 | Diet and Nutrition, Health Tips, Orthopedics, Women's Health
This guest post was written by Simone Walters, MS, RD.
Osteoporosis and low bone density (osteopenia) — conditions characterized by loss of bone mass — are major health concerns in the United States. Throughout our lifespan, bone is constantly broken down and rebuilt, usually in a balanced way that results in bone growth and mineral accumulation in bones (“bone mineral density”) that supports a strong skeleton. As we age, this accumulation reaches its highest point (“peak bone mineral density”) and gradually shifts towards bone loss. Osteopenia occurs when bone mineral density declines below a healthy value; osteoporosis is its more severe manifestation, and both increase the risk of bone fractures. (more…)
Updated on Nov 17, 2024 | Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Rehab Medicine
Most adults experience joint pain at some point in their lifetime. But there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce the pain, protect your joints, and avoid making things worse.
Do not work through the pain: If you are performing some kind of activity and begin to feel pain, try the following:
- Stop the activity and rest.
- Try performing the activity again. If pain persists, stop the activity and modify how you are performing the task. For instance, if you begin to feel shoulder pain when chopping vegetables, step closer to the cutting board or change the height of the table by standing, or try sitting in a chair.
- If the pain persists, do not work through the pain.
Use your larger joints: Instead of lifting heavy items in the kitchen, for example, slide them across the counter. Or, if you need to lift something, hold the item close to your body and use your palms to lift, instead of the fingers.
Make things easy for yourself: Avoid tasks that cause discomfort or pain. Keep frequently used household items close to you, and avoid reaching far or straining to perform an activity. For transporting groceries, try using a wheeled cart or a backpack instead of carrying groceries by hand.
Take a break: If you have a lot of tasks to perform, spread the tasks throughout the day and alternate light and heavy tasks. Also, allow yourself extra time to complete tasks, so you can avoid rushing. Take a rest break while you still have energy—do not wait until exhaustion sets in. Try taking brief and frequent rest breaks.
Use proper body mechanics: Lift and carry items closer to your torso to decrease strain. Try to avoid unnecessary strain. Get heavy items delivered. And, if needed, ask for help.
If you are experiencing joint pain, call 877-MD-ORTHO or 877-636-7846 to find a doctor who can help.
Oct 18, 2012 | Orthopedics
October is Bone Health Month. Most people equate calcium with bone health, but that’s really only part of the equation. According to
Stewart Greisman, MD, rheumatologist with St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals, you need the right levels of other nutrients, such as
vitamin D, for calcium to be absorbed in the body.
Oct 3, 2012 | Orthopedics
Tennis elbow is a commonly used term to describe lateral epicondylitis. Lateral epicondylitis is inflammation of the tendons on the lateral (side) aspect of the elbow. Over time, slowly healing micro tears occur that can lead to break down of the tendon. Through repetitive stress or overuse, the extensor tendons become painful at the area where they originate from the bone, which is the lateral epicondyle. (more…)
Remember those skeletons that hung in many of our elementary school classrooms growing up? The one component of those models is bone: humans are born with up to 270 of them! It is clearly important for us to protect this crucial framework in order to preserve a high quality of life.
