There are nearly 12 crore people over the age of 60 in India, and that figure is expected to rise. This rapidly aging population and biological changes to older adults’ bodies mean that orthopaedic injuries are increasing. Orthopaedic problems are more common among aged men while more aged women reported to suffer from problem of joints. Visiting an orthopaedic doctor can help older individuals get the treatment they require.
Osteoarthritis
1 in 3 older adults are affected by Osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative disease that largely affects the hands,ankles, fingers, spine, and knees . Osteoarthritis makes it difficult to perform everyday activities, especially those that require flexibility, movement or fine motor dexterity. Your orthopaedic specialist can recommend treatments to decrease the pain and increase ease of motion.
Fractures
This is another serious problem facing the elderly. As people age, their bone mineral density decreases. This is typically problematic in post-menopausal women. Decreased mineral levels result in weaker, more brittle bones. It gets worse as older adults have more unsteady balance and vision problems, this is the cause for increased risk of fractures. Strength training exercises are useful to increase bone strength, which can minimise the likelihood of fracturing a bone.
Dislocations
When a joint becomes dislocated, the bones that make up that joint shift from their original place. This commonly happens after a fall, in which the jolt knocks bones out of the joint. Older adults having dislocated joint experience immediate pain, which reduces after a physician helps put the joint back in place. Visiting an orthopaedic specialist will help in the healing process.
Osteoporosis
Bone mass peaks at about 30 years of age and starts decreasing as we age. This increases the risk of osteoporosis in older adults. This is a bone disease that is related to decreased bone density and low overall bone mass. When the bone production process cannot keep up with bone loss, the bones become brittle and weak. Your orthopaedic doctor can prescribe treatments to slow the rate of bone loss and prevent injury.
