Bone health: How do we manage?
Bone health is perhaps among the most talked about issues, yet when it comes to taking care of our bones, many of us fail to do so. Women in particular tend to ignore their bone health, namely arthritis. This, despite the fact that the progressive disease is a significant cause of disability if not managed wisely.
For women in their 50s, or those in post-menopausal stage, arthritis is not just a huge risk, but in numerous cases a natural outcome. Management of arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid or osteoporosis is a must in order to retain an active lifestyle. The bone disease often manifests itself in chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and bone deformities – such as bone spurs – compromising the mobility of the person affected by it. People who are overweight are more prone to these issues since their bones are not equipped to bear the weight, and overtime, they also turn brittle. Management becomes even more of a challenge when the ailments is accompanied by other chronic
issues such as cardiac and diabetes.
How can one manage arthritis? Following are a few tips:
1. Be active
First thing first, the key is constant mobility accompanied by light exercises. Physical activity is the perfect antidote for stress, which again keeps other chronic diseases at arm’s length. A word of caution though: for those suffering from severe bone and joint issues, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before starting an exercise regime.
2. Eating healthy
Include diet that can strengthen your bones, such as foods that contain Omega 2 fatty acids. You can also try herbal supplements that help to bring relief to joint pain. Avoid sugar and refined carbs, excess salt, preservatives and processed foods since these can cause inflammation.\
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is instrumental is restoring mobility in joints and strengthening and supporting bones and joints.Physical therapists can guide arthritis patients on proper way to exercise, use of canes and walkers and help to improve posture. The key to getting maximum benefits out of physiotherapy is regular and long-term practice which will help one to ease into regular day-to-day jobs with far less struggle and pain.
4. Medicines
When it comes to minor pain and swelling, painkillers, whether as pills or injections, can do the job of providing relief. However, any medicine taken should be according to doctor’s advice and with caution.
5. Hot/cold treatment
While this suggestion may not come from a journal of clinical medicine, using ice or hot water bottle has been known to bring relief to inflamed joints and bones. While ice helps to reduce swelling, heat opens up blood vessels to increase circulation. Having said that, it’s always better to consult a doctor to see which treatment will work better. Management of arthritis is an important tool to lead a healthier and fitter life. In chronic diseases like such, the way we treat the ailment can have a positive or a negative impact on our lifestyle, so let’s make the best of the situation.
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