Bone Diseases: Symptoms, and How to Avoid Them
The 206 bones that combined make up the skeleton are the pillar on which the human body stands. Despite their robust appearance, they can also develop diseases, since, over time, they suffer natural degeneration and therefore, the consequent appearance of bone problems. Although they are numerous, the most important bone diseases that appear more frequently when we cross the sixty-year-old barrier are Osteoporosis, Bone cancer, Osteomyelitis, brittle bone disease, Paget’s disease, Osteomalacia, Acromegaly, Rickets, Perthes’ disease, among others.
if you are worried about possible bone disease, there are a series of symptoms or clues that indicate that something’s not alright and that you should check with your doctor. The most common ones are:
- Fragile nails: If they break easily, it can be a symptom of a bone problem because the nails are made of collagen and calcium.
- Gum reduction: When they recede, it may have to do with the jaw losing strength and, therefore, bone mass. You must consult the dentist, brush properly, use dental floss and strengthen the area.
- • Loss of height and density: This is possible because the cartilaginous mass decreases and could indicate a weakening of the muscles.
- Lack of strength: If more effort is needed to perform manual tasks, it may be due to bone problems.
- Aches, cramps, and fractures: The presence of night and continuous cramps, easy bone breakage, or other indicators such as persistent pain, are signs that you need to check yourself with a specialist doctor.
- Estrogen level is low: If this hormone decreases (which is more common during menopause) the bones are in danger.
How to Avoid Bone Diseases?
Bone diseases or bone pathologies are typical in the elderly. However, they can be suffered at any age, with fractures being the most common cause among young people.
To avoid the appearance of bone diseases, the main thing is to have strong bones. For this, prevention must start from the age of 20. Bone diseases can be prevented by eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which improve bone strength. Additional nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, boron, copper, manganese, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, K, and B6 are also needed.
Therefore, a correct diet rich in vegetables, cereals, broths, dairy products, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds helps us maintain healthy bones. The intake of foods such as chicken and beef and coconut or extra virgin olive oil is also recommended. The practice of moderate but continuous physical exercise will help us avoid the development of bone diseases.
Don’t forget check-ups…
It is important to have tests done to control vitamin D levels, which in our country are usually low because, despite the good weather, we are exposed to the sun directly only in the summer months and with sun protection. Densitometry is a test that measures the amount of calcium in our bones and allows us to assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This test is requested based on age and risk factors. If you are presenting any of the symptoms above, visit your doctor for a preventive checkup.
Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119