Common Orthopedic Ailments That Affect Senior Citizens in India

India is home to approximately 138 million senior citizens as of 2021. This number factors in 67 million men, and 71 million elderly women. These numbers are a sharp indicator of the prevalence of orthopedic ailments among senior citizens in the country.

Reports suggest that up to 50 million people in India can be medically diagnosed as Osteoporotic or have a low bone mass with significant reason for concern. Osteoporosis, though among the most common orthopedic ailments, is just one among many. The best orthopedic doctors in Gurgaon, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and other leading medical hubs profess to the prevalence of orthopedic ailments among Indian senior citizens.

Widespread orthopedic ailments demand greater attention to and awareness of orthopedic issues that the elderly face. Read further to know more about common orthopedic ailments that affect senior citizens in India.

Common Orthopaedic Ailments Affecting Senior Citizens

The elderly face a range of health problems. However, aging often leads to bone mass lossand weakening of the musculoskeletal system, the primary causes of orthopedic diseases. Leading orthopedic doctors in Gurgaon, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and other urban medical hubs list the leading orthopedic ailments among seniors. Some of these ailments are:

Osteoarthritis

1 in 3 seniors worldwide faces the debilitating health impacts of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is defined by mineral deficiency that causes bones to get weaker and more brittle. Osteoarthritis is a leading contributor to bone fractures in senior citizens. The best orthopedic hospitals in Gurgaon, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and other medical hubs generally treat osteoarthritis with a chronic disease management approach, as there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Orthopedic doctorsrecommend lifestyle changes to manage osteoarthritis, including weight management and some exercise.

Fractures

Fractures are common among older people with weakened bone density. This is especially true for post-menopausal women impacted mineral deficiencies leading to weak and brittle bones. As older people are often likely to have poor vision and unsteady balance, the likelihood of accidents leading to bone fractures is greater. Orthopedic doctors often recommend strength training for building bone strength to minimize the risk of fractures in seniors.

Dislocations

Joint dislocations are common among older individuals, as weakened joints accompany old age in many instances. Joint dislocations can lead to pain and trauma among older individuals. Orthopedic doctors perform medical procedures to put dislocated joints back in place, providing relief to ailing seniors.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is among the leading ailments faced by senior citizens in India. Bone mass decreases as we age, peaking at 30. As such senior citizens are more likely to be impacted by osteoporosis, which is defined by the loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis generally does not exhibit any symptoms until a bone is broken. Senior citizens often break vertebrae in the spine, and bones in the hip and the forearm, owing to osteoporosis.

Preventing and Managing Orthopaedic Ailments in Senior

Doctors recommend various management and prevention measures to aid senior against orthopedic ailments. Some of these prevention and management measures are listed below.

Exercise – Exercise intended to build a stronger core, increase muscle strength, and improve flexibility can offset orthopedic ailments in senior citizens to a significant degree. Seniors are advised to avoid exercises that have a high-intensity impact on the joints. However, daily walking, stretching, swimming, Pilates, Yoga, and biking on a level surface are recommended.

Wearing Comfortable Shoes – Doctors also recommend wearing comfortable shoes for proper alignment of the lower and upper body. Heels can lead to back and knee pain in senior citizens, often aggravated by orthopedic ailments.

Regular Health Checkups – Regular health check-ups to keep a check on bone and muscle health are recommended for senior citizens or individuals approaching senior years.

FAQs

Q: Where are the best orthopedic hospitals located in India?

A: As the leading medical institutions in India are concentrated around urban hubs, especially if you are residing in capital city, it is easier to find the best orthopedic hospitals in Gurgaon, Delhi& NCR.

Q: When to visit an orthopedic doctor?

A: In the case of fractures, soft-tissue injury, issues while walking or standing, chronic pain, and a decrease in range of motion, it is best to visit an orthopedic doctor.

Hi, I am Sagar Jain Health Expert having 5 Years of Experience.