Maintaining overall bone health is important, because the bones provide support and structure to our bodies and protect internal organs. However, as people age, they lose bone mass and risk developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. People can take proactive steps to support bone health as they age. By adopting a balanced diet, getting exercise and avoiding risk factors-such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol - they will be able to maintain healthy bones during their later years. In this article, we will explore how people can improve their bone health and manage knee pain.
Let us first discuss some of the useful insights on bone health:
- Adequate calcium and Vitamin D Intake: Calcium is important for bone health. Consume food items such as dairy products, leafy greens and fortified foods as they are good sources of calcium. However, it is important to enhance the vitamin D intake as Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. In addition to supplements, Vitamin D can also be acquired through exposure to sunlight, as well as by consuming certain foods, such as fatty fish, mushrooms, and eggs.
- Regular physical activity: Regular exercises such as weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help strengthen bones and slow down bone deterioration. Exercises such as running, jumping, weightlifting and yoga can be beneficial for not just bone health but overall health.
- Limit smoking and excessive alcohol intake: Excessive smoking is not only harmful for the lungs, but also causes long-term negative effects on bone health. It reduces the flow of blood to the bones and also decreases the body's ability to absorb calcium. Alcohol can interfere with the process of bone formation by decreasing the amount of new bone tissue that is produced. This is because alcohol disrupts calcium and vitamin D levels, which are essential for healthy bones. In addition, alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which contributes directly to bone loss.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: It is important to watch your weight in order to maintain optimum bone health. Being overweight or obese can be detrimental as it adds extra stress on bones. Similarly being underweight can lead to decreased bone density which can lead to easy fractures and even osteoporosis.
As people age, they commonly experience knee problems caused by injuries or arthritis. To lessen the pain and avoid long-term consequences such as disability, it's important to talk to a doctor about treatment options early on. As one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata offering a comprehensive knee pain treatment, we share some of the useful insights on knee pain treatment:
- Rest and ice: Putting constant pressure on the injured or affected knee can further worsen the condition and the pain may worsen. To reduce pain, apply ice packs and take ample rest. To alleviate pain, your doctor may also suggest painkillers for immediate relief.
- Physical therapy: Other than doing regular exercises and stretches, you can also consult a physiotherapist for light body exercises for your knees. They will usually recommend physical activities that can considerably improve knee strength, flexibility and reduce pain.
- Weight management: Being overweight can put unnecessary pressure on your knees that can worsen your pain and limit your movements. It is advisable to maintain proper body weight in order to reduce the pressure on your knees.
- Assistive devices: In case your movement is limited due to your knee injury or pain, you can use devices such as braces, canes, or crutches that can help to reduce the stress on your knee and alleviate pain while walking or doing other regular activities.
Looking for the best orthopaedic doctor in Kolkata?
Visit Peerless Hospital. If you're suffering from joint pain, arthritis, or any other musculoskeletal condition, our expert team of orthopaedic specialists are here to provide you with the most advanced and comprehensive care available. Our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology allow us to offer the latest in orthopaedic treatments and procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine and more.
