Although arthritis affects more than half of people 65 years of age and older, most people with arthritis, nearly three out of five, are younger than age 65. People of all ages are affected, including children and teens. In fact, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common chronic illnesses of childhood.

The purpose of joint replacement is to allow activity without pain. Patients are often encouraged to engage in low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming and walking, as often as possible after surgery. #Orthopaedics #MythVsFacts

Most of the people do not figure out the link between fracture and Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bones, makes them porous and fragile.  It is a silent disease that sets in chronically and could turn really severe, so much so that the normal stress on bones from sitting, standing, or even coughing could result in painful fractures and immobility.

If you don’t check, you will never know.

Orthopaedic Institute at Vikram Hospital, the best multispecialty hospital in Bangalore maintains that being aware of the risk factors and controlling it will largely reduce the chances of getting osteoporosis.

The checklist of risk factors includes:

• Family history: Osteoporosis runs in families.
• Sex: Women are four times more likely than men to get osteoporosis, but men also suffer from osteoporosis.
• Age: The risk of osteoporosis increases with age.
• Bone structure and body weight. Weak and thin people have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
• History of fractures: Having one fracture increases the chance of having more fractures.
• Smoking: Tobacco is toxic to the bone and increases the risk of fractures.
• Medication: The medications that increase the risk of osteoporosis include long-term use of steroids, thyroid medication, anticonvulsants, and antacids.
• Menopause:  Women face a dramatic decline in the hormone, oestrogen during menopause that slows down the bone remodelling process and causes an accelerated bone loss.

Confused with the checklist?

If you are dazed with the checklist just count your checkboxes of risk factors, if it is one, work on your diet and lifestyle to stay healthy, but if it is more than one, consult our Orthopaedic doctors at Vikram Hospital, the best super speciality hospital in India, for a bone mineral density (BMD) test which can provide information about your bone health.

Osteoporosis can be treated!

The osteoporosis treatment is aimed at slowing down bone loss and building new bone. The treatment is as decided by the physician, it includes-

• Oestrogen replacement therapy
• Osteoporosis medications
• Calcium and vitamin D dietary supplements
• Lifestyle management

Prevent or Delay Bone loss.

According to Ortho hospitals in Bangalore, the proven ways to prevent osteoporosis for those who are at risk or delay bone loss for those who are already diagnosed with osteoporosis are as follows:

• Exercise. Exercise makes bones and muscles stronger and helps prevent bone loss. It also improves balance and avoids falls and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, playing tennis, skipping and dancing are best for preventing osteoporosis.
• Improve dietary calcium. Ensure enough calcium in the diet helps to keep bones healthy. Calcium supplements can also be taken under medical supervision.
• Ensure enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D comes from food, such as eggs and oily fish, and exposure to sunlight.

Wishing you a Happy and safe Diwali! ‪#‎Diwali2015‬