Inflammation in one or more joints in the body is typically referred to as arthritis. The tenderness and swelling worsen as your age progresses.
There are two common types of arthritis, namely osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the former causes breakdown of the cartilage (tissue covering the joints), the latter is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the joints.
Tendons are basically stretchable and strong tissues that connect your muscles to the bones. There are innumerable tendons in the body and they help to avoid a muscle injury. An inflammation in any tendon (from an infection or overuse) is referred to as tendinitis.
Bursae provide cushioning to the joints and an inflammation in these sac-like structures filled with fluids is known as bursitis. Overuse or repetitive motion of any joint can lead to bursitis.
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that is conducted to allow realignment of bones. The specialist doctor cuts the bone to alter its length and treat different injuries or orthopedic conditions.
Removal of damaged cartilage and knee bones by an expert orthopedic surgeon is known as knee replacement. The surgical procedure involves using metallic implants and a plastic spacer to assist the smooth functioning of the new joint.
Although the patients experience pain for a few days after surgery, the orthopedic doctor can easily manage it with pain medications depending on the severity of your condition.
As opposed to total knee replacement, a knee resurfacing surgery involves removal of only the damaged parts of the knee without completely changing the knee. Artificial implants are inserted in the worn-out sections of the knee to relieve symptoms of knee pain.
Knee replacement surgery is generally a safe procedure and complications are very unusual.
Four to six weeks is the optimal time within which you can get back to your normal routine after the knee replacement surgery. But if your job involves a lot of physical activity, you might have to wait a bit longer to fully recover.
A severe deficiency of calcium and vitamin D can cause the bones to become fragile and easily breakable. This condition is known as osteoporosis and can also result from hormonal changes in the body.
Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis are:
- Family history of the disease
- Females are at a higher risk
- A calcium-deficient diet
- Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Cigarette smoking
- Inadequate nutrition
A bone density scan is just like an X-Ray and is performed to check for conditions such as osteoporosis. There is a certain amount of bone density required for a healthy adult of a particular age, gender and ethnicity. A bone density scan determines this value to see if you are deficient in calcium and other bone minerals.
The two most common joint replacement surgeries that are performed by specialist orthopedic doctors are: hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery. Apart from this, joints of the shoulders and ankles can also be replaced. The orthopedic doctor removes the damaged cartilage and bone to replace with components made of metal, plastic or ceramic.
Wear and tear of the spinal discs in your neck is a normal part of ageing and this condition is commonly referred to as spondylosis or cervical spondylosis. Stiffness in the ligaments, shrinking of the discs, bulging discs and bone spurs are the common causes of this condition.
Immobilization, pain medication and complete rest generally suffice as good treatment options for a spinal fracture. However, severe fractures might need surgical intervention that can be decided by your orthopedic doctor.
There are many natural ways to maintain optimal bone health.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Consume foods rich in calcium
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep up your levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin K
- Include strength training exercises in your daily routine
In order to recover well from any orthopedic surgery, keep the following precautions in mind:
- Don’t skip your doctor visits
- Follow the instructions of your orthopedic doctor
- Have your medications on time
- Do not lift heavy objects until and unless you are cleared by your doctor
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drive till you recover completely