We all know that as we age, our bodies start to wear down. This is especially true for our joints and bones, which tend to be the first to show signs of deterioration. If you are noticing pain or stiffness in your joints, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Here are some of the most common joint/bone problems experienced in life.
Osteoarthritis
Firstly, we have osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of our bones. This can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Without the cushions, the bones can rub against each other, causing even more pain.
Over time, osteoarthritis can also lead to the formation of bone spurs, which are bony growths that form around the edges of the joints. If not treated, these spurs can eventually fuse the joints, making it difficult to move.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Next, we have rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the tissue that is attacked is the lining of the joints. Once again, this often causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
In terms of treatment, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, some treatments can reduce the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. These include things like medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Osteoporosis
As time goes on, we’re also learning more and more about osteoporosis. This is a disease that affects the bones, making them weak and fragile. Osteoporosis is most common in older women, but it can affect men and women of all ages.
There are a few things that you can do to help prevent osteoporosis. These include getting enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and not smoking. If you already have osteoporosis, treatment will involve managing the symptoms and trying to prevent the disease from getting worse.
Labral Tear
Sadly, older generations didn’t have the same kind of information or technology many years ago that we do now. This means that many people suffered from conditions that could have been easily treated. The next condition where treatment has evolved over the years is a labral tear. As the name suggests, this is a tear in the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder or hip joint. Normally, this can be caused by repetitive motions or an injury. Symptoms include clicking, catching, or popping sensations in the affected joint as well as pain.
Nowadays, labral tears can be treated with arthroscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can repair the tear and allow the joint to function properly again. However, this wasn’t always the case. In the past, labral tears were treated with open surgery; this was a much more invasive procedure that required a large incision.
With labral tear hip surgery by VBJS, you can expect a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to your regular activities. This is because the surgery is minimally invasive, meaning that there is less tissue damage and trauma to the area.
Gout
Lastly, gout is a common problem that affects the joints. It is caused by uric acid build-up in the body, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. Gout can be treated with medication, but it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have gout, as it can be a sign of other underlying health problems.
