Over the last decade, musculoskeletal ailments have grown by 25 percent globally. In countries like the US, where our demographic changes indicate an aging population, the instance of musculoskeletal disorders are even higher.
To prevent these issues, it’s important to understand how age-related changes affect bones and joints. Let’s take a look.
1. Decreased bone mineral density
Studies show that as we age, our bones tend to become fragile and weak. This is because our body reabsorbs the phosphate and calcium from bones, leaving them brittle and vulnerable to damage.
The loss in bone mineral density increases the chances of osteoporosis, which makes older adults more prone to hip, spine, and wrist bone breakages. Osteoporosis affects 24.5 percent of women and 5.1 percent of men above the age of 65.
Experts believe that elliptical training machines, low-impact aerobics, and physical therapy can slow down mineral loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
2. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes caused during menopause is the main reason behind the high incidence of osteoporosis in women. Estrogen protects bone strength, and after menopause, estrogen levels decline sharply. This, in turn, affects bone mineral density and increases the risk of breakage.
For older men, testosterone levels also decrease with age—although the decline isn’t as dramatic as estrogen levels in women. This inhibits bone reception and can increase the risk of bone injuries in men too.
3.Degenerative changes
As people age, the lubricating cartilage that prevents friction between joints and bones slowly decreases. As a result, bones undergo more wear and tear than usual. This can cause chipping off or even bone breakage.
More than 27 million Americans suffer from this chronic joint condition, known as osteoarthritis. The pain and discomfort caused by this wear and tear can make it very difficult to carry out routine activities and affects your quality of life significantly.
Apart from physical therapy to slow down the loss of cartilage, there are other options to manage the pain and improve wellbeing.
Visit our Physical Therapy Clinic in Augusta, GA
Don’t let musculoskeletal pain prevent you from enjoying your retirement years. Healing Hands specializes in treatment for musculoskeletal pain that promotes active living for seniors. We can help design a custom treatment plan for you too.
Request an appointment with our specialists today.