As we age, our bones and joints become more vulnerable to problems and injury, which is why it is important to take proper care of our bodies. This care becomes even more important for people who already have certain orthopaedic issues.

Following are some of the most common orthopaedic issues that senior citizens face:

1. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is caused by a reduction in bone mass, generally after the age of 30. In osteoporosis, the bone becomes fragile and brittle, resulting in extreme pain in the body.
2. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common orthopaedic problem faced by many senior citizens. The hands, knees, ankles, toes, and spine are all affected by this problem. Osteoarthritis makes the body weak, making it difficult for the body to participate in day-to-day activities.
3. Dislocation: A dislocation occurs when the ends of the bones are pulled out of their usual places due to an injury to a joint. A dislocation temporarily deforms and immobilizes the joint.
4. Fracture: Owing to the deterioration of the bones and muscles in old age, the chances of fractures increase as the mineral intensity of the bones decreases. Furthermore, since old age is generally accompanied by weak eyesight, fracture issues become more common. 

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Orthopaedic Care for Senior Citizens

1. Make changes to the diet: Although you can get away with a poor diet in your youth, this isn’t enough when you get older and your bones become weak. You need more essential nutrients as you age.

The meals of senior citizens should contain calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which are important for bone health. In general, they should eat more whole foods and avoid processed foods. 

Milk, nuts, paneer, green leafy vegetables, beans, and fish are some of the foods that tend to strengthen bones.

• No excessive rest: Physical activity is the best way to keep the bones and joints healthy. As people grow old, they tend to rest more, become sedentary and walk less. Senior citizens should be encouraged to not shy away from physical activities.

To take care of their orthopaedic health, they should go for morning walks, take a stroll after meals and skip lifts and vehicles as far as they can. Walking helps to strengthen and develop bones. 

However, it should also be noted that the elderly should not force their body for excessive exercise if they feel exhausted.

Also Read: https://healinghospital.co.in/when-is-total-knee-replacement-surgery-needed-best-orthopaedic-surgeon-in-chandigarh/

• Stay warm: When the temperature drops, the joints, muscles, and ligaments are put under more stress. The risk of orthopaedic injuries is higher in cold weather. An orthopaedic problem that starts in this way could last for an entire lifetime.

Therefore old people should always dress warmly in cold weather to prevent the joints and muscles from becoming stiff from the cold.

• Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing footwear that supports the feet and arches is essential in old age. Comfortable footwear correctly aligns the lower limbs and relieves tension.

Women who wear high heels are more likely to experience knee, shoulder, and back pain. In cold weather, the risk of footwear-related orthopaedic disorders rises even more.

• Regular check-ups with the orthopaedic surgeon: Even if everything seems to be in order, the senior citizens are advised to see the best orthopaedic surgeon in Chandigarh. The importance of regular medical examinations grows as you age.

The sooner a condition is identified and treated, the better the chances of recovery and the easier it will be. Early detection would allow for more successful and efficient care, allowing to maintain good bone and joint health.