Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects 1 in 3 older adults. This condition is a degenerative disease that typically affects the hands, fingers, ankles, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis makes it challenging to perform everyday activities, particularly those that require flexibility, significant movement or fine motor dexterity.  Your orthopedic doctor in mohali can recommend treatments to decrease pain and increase range of motion.

Fractures

Fractures are a serious problem facing the elderly. As people grow older, their bone mineral density decreases. This is particularly problematic in post-menopausal women. Decreased mineral levels translate to weaker, more brittle bones. When combined with the tendency for older adults to have more unsteady balance and vision problems, this is a recipe for increased risk of fractures. Strength training exercises are a good way to increase bone strength, which can decrease the likelihood of fracturing a bone.

Dislocations

When a joint becomes dislocated, the bones that make up that joint shift from their original positions. This often occurs after a fall, in which the blow knocks bones out of the joint. Older adults who have dislocated a joint will experience immediate pain, which decreases after a physician helps put the joint back in place. Following up with an orthopedic specialist will ensure that the healing process goes well. In many cases, the joint must be immobilized for 4 weeks or longer to ensure optimal outcomes.

Osteoporosis

Bone mass peaks at about 30 years of age and slowly decreases thereafter. This places older adults at increased risk of osteoporosis, a bone disease that includes decreased bone density and low overall bone mass. The body continually makes new bones and breaks down old bone tissue. When the bone production process cannot keep pace with bone loss, your bones become brittle and weak. Your orthopedic doctor can recommend treatments to slow the rate of bone loss and prevent injury.