Health & Wellness
COMMON PROBLEMS
OSTEOPOROSIS
Condition characterized by weak, soft or brittle bones
Commonly involved Regions-
- Wrist
- Spine
- Femur Neck
Complaints-
- Bone Pain
- Fatigue
- Decreased activity levels
- Easy Fractures (fragile bones)
Investigations-
- Blood Tests- including Calcium, Vit D3 levels
- DEXA Scan- for Bone Mineral Density
- X-rays
Prevention-
- Diet modification- rich in vitamins & minerals
- Active Lifestyle
- Regular Exercises
- Weight Maintenance
Causes-
- Elderly- Age above 70 years
- Females- Peri-menopausal age group due to reduced estrogen
- Medical problems- Hypothyroidism, Bone or Other Cancers, Long term consumption of certain medications
- Habits- Alcohol, Nicotine consumption
- Bed ridden patients
Management-
Medical-
- Medications- Calcium & Vitamin D3 supplements
- Hormonal Therapy
- Teriparatide Injections
- Calcitonin Sprays
- Bisphosphonates
Surgical-
- Fracture management surgeries
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Condition characterised by pain in joints, affecting daily activities
Common Types-
- Degenerative Arthritis- Present in elderly population- mainly affecting knees, hips & spine
- Rheumatoid Arthritis- Multiple small joints pain & stiffness- mainly in hands & feet. Common in females. Often detected by presence of elevated RA factor in blood
- Sero-Negative Arthritis- Common in young males. Mainly affects lower back. Absence of RA factor in blood. Often HLA- B27 test is positive
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis- Develops following significant trauma/ fracture to articular cartilage- mainly seen in elbow, knee & hip joint
Complaints-
- Severe pain in joints
- Associated Stiffness
- Difficulty in performing routine activities
- Social inhibition
- Psychological impact
Management-
- Proper Consultation by experienced Doctor
- Rest as advised
- Oral Medications
- Intra- articular injections
- Physiotherapy
- Use of supportive Braces
- Lifestyle modifications
- Surgery- Partial or Total Joint Replacement
BACK PAIN
Common Problem affecting people of all age groups
Causes-
Causes in Children-
- Poor posture in school & at home, Carrying heavy School Bags, Lack of Exercise, Improper Nutrition, Congenital spinal problems (since birth)
Causes in Young Persons-
- Sedentary Lifestyle, Obesity, Slipped Disc, Infection (eg. Tuberculosis), Pregnancy, Over-Exercise or Lack of Exercise, Improper Nutrition
Causes in Elderly-
- Poor bone quality, Trauma, Tumors of spine
Prevention-
- Maintenance of Correct Posture
- Weight Management
- Healthy Diet
- Active Lifestyle
- Modification of Daily activities- avoiding forward bending & heavy weight lifting
Management-
- Proper Consultation by experienced Doctor
- Rest as advised
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Nerve Root Blocks Or Epidural Injections
- Surgery
FRACTURES
Condition characterized by break in continuity of bones
Causes-
- Fall- At home or outdoors. Causes fracture of wrist, spine, heel & hip bones.
- Road traffic Accidents- Severe intensity of force. Causes fractures of major bones like femur, tibia, humerus.
- Weak bones- Due to osteoporosis, bone tumors, prolonged illness & medications.
- Overuse- Repeated over-activity causes stress fractures. Mainly seen in athletes.
Complaints-
- Severe pain in bones
- Severe pain in bones
- Restricted movements of bones & joints
- Deformity
Management-
- Proper Consultation by experienced Doctors
- Investigations- X-rays, CT scan
- Oral + IV Medications – to reduce pain & swelling
- Supportive Plaster Slab, Cast, Braces
- Surgery- Plate & screws fixation, IM nails etc.