Why is bone, joint, and muscle health important?
"As we grow and age, our bone, joint, and muscle health become increasingly important," says David H. Michel, MD, ARC Orthopedist. "These three components work together to support our body's movements and keep us strong and active."
What affects bone, joint, and muscle health?
Two factors that play a significant role in bone, joint, and muscle health are aging and family history. "As we age, our bones naturally become more brittle, and our muscles and joints become weaker, making us more susceptible to orthopedic injuries," says Dr. Michel. This is why older individuals are more prone to fractures, dislocations, and other bone-related injuries.
What can I do to improve bone, joint, and muscle health?
Improving bone, joint, and muscle health is essential to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Here are some things you can do to achieve this goal:
- Diet and nutrition: Bones need calcium and vitamin D to stay strong and healthy. Foods that are high in calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. In addition to these nutrients, it's important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Physical activity: Regular physical activity is essential for improving muscle strength and joint flexibility. Exercise can also help maintain bone density, which is important for preventing osteoporosis. Activities like walking, swimming, and weightlifting are all great for bone and joint health. However, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid injury.
- Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for bone and joint health. Carrying excess weight puts extra stress on joints and can increase the risk of developing orthopedic issues.
- Healthy habits: In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, it's important to practice healthy habits that can help prevent orthopedic issues. This includes avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both of which can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
- Practicing fall and injury prevention: Falls and other accidents can lead to orthopedic injuries, so it's important to take steps to prevent them. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, wearing appropriate footwear, and using caution when walking on slippery surfaces.
By incorporating these tips into our daily lives, we can improve our bone, joint, and muscle health and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Common orthopedic injuries
Despite our best efforts, orthopedic injuries can still happen. These types of injuries can include:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Overuse injuries
- Broken bones
- Hamstring injuries
- Dislocated bones
- Tears
- Meniscus tears
Common orthopedic conditions
Orthopedic conditions not caused by an injury that can affect our bone, joint, and muscle health include:
- Arm/elbow pain, back/spine pain, hand pain, hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, muscle pain, etc.
- Plantar fasciitis
- Scoliosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Osteoporosis
"Maintaining our bone, joint, and muscle health is crucial for staying active and healthy throughout our lives," says Dr. Michel. "By eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing healthy habits, we can prevent orthopedic issues from occurring. And if an injury or condition does arise, there are plenty of treatment options available to help us get back on our feet."
When to see an ARC Orthopedic or ARC Sports Medicine doctor
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to visit our website and schedule an appointment with an ARC Orthopedic or ARC Sports Medicine doctor. Our specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating orthopedic issues, and they can help you get back to feeling your best. To make an appointment visit the ARC Orthopedics page, select the clinic most convenient to you, and call for an appointment.
ARC locations that include orthopedics services: