Bone and Joint Health Awareness
Betty Vale, APRN, FNP-C, ONP-C
Protecting Your Bones and Joints for the Long Run
Bone and Joint Health National Action Week, observed the third week in October, raises awareness about the prevention, management and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Betty Vale, a family and orthopedic nurse practitioner at UT Health East Texas Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute, shares simple steps people can take now to protect their bones and joints and maintain mobility as they age.
Why is it important to think about bone and joint health before you start having problems?
The habits you develop earlier in life can make a difference in how well your bones and joints support you as you age. Regular physical activity, good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep bones strong, support the muscles around your joints and reduce unnecessary stress on your body. You don’t have to wait until something hurts to start taking care of your musculoskeletal health.
What are some of the best ways to build and maintain strong bones?
Staying active is one of the best things you can do. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging and climbing stairs help support bone strength, while strength training helps build the muscles that protect and stabilize your joints. A balanced diet with adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein also plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones.
How does exercise help protect our joints as we age?
Movement really is important for joint health. Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints, improves flexibility and balance and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and cycling are great options for many people. The key is finding something you enjoy and can do consistently.
Are joint aches and pains just a normal part of getting older?
Some changes can occur with age, but ongoing pain shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as “just getting older.” If pain persists, limits your normal activities or is accompanied by swelling, weakness or decreased range of motion, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. Identifying the cause early may help prevent the problem from becoming more limiting.
Why is osteoporosis a growing concern as people age and how can you tell if you have it?
More than 53 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk for osteoporosis due to low bone mass. Most will go undiagnosed or untreated because osteoporosis is silent. Many people don’t know that they have it until they break, or fracture, a bone. With our aging population, the number of patients with osteoporosis or low bone density is expected to increase significantly.
A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, can give us an indication of bone quality. It is recommended that women starting at age 65, men age 70 or older and those that have conditions that would put them at risk for osteoporosis should have DEXA testing. DEXA testing should also be repeated at least every two years to make sure there hasn’t been further bone deterioration.
Betty Vale, APRN, FNP-C, ONP-C, practices at the UT Health East Texas Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute. To learn more or to make an appointment, visit UTHealthEastTexas.com or call 903-877-7826 or 903-594-2148.