JOINT HEALTH
Growing older has a significant impact on bones and joints, especially within the hands and wrists. There is a significant increase in men and women seeking arthritis treatment as they age. Here are 3 ways the natural aging process can contribute to joint pains.
Decrease in Cartilage
Cartilage is the slippery substance that protects the ends of bones that meet the joint. The coverage allows for smooth, easy joint movements. As you age, the chemical makeup of cartilage changes, becoming less flexible and more vulnerable to physical stressors. The degenerate cartilage increases the bone rubbing on bone, resulting in painful, arthritic joint inflammation.
Ligament Changes
The tough, fibrous connective tissues responsible for holding joints in alignment as they move are called ligaments. They connect the bone to bone around the joint. Ligaments lose elasticity as the body ages, making joint movement more restrictive. Normal movements in the hand and wrist start feeling stiff, especially in combination with cartilage loss.
Bone Density and Strength Loss
The decrease in bone density, also known as Osteoporosis, makes older patients more vulnerable to breaks and fractures which could require hand surgery. Men and women carry a higher risk of developing osteoporosis if they have rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to the mineral-leaching medications that are needed to treat RA as well as the tendency toward decreased activity due movement in the joints becoming so painful.
What Can you Do to Help the Pain?
Start giving yourself a little extra care and attention. Stay active and eat right to help your joints and bones stay strong. Taking extra care of your body may help to slow the progression of your arthritis symptoms. If you would like more information about relieving joint pain, contact Blackstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Our certified orthopedic surgeons can discuss various pain management options that are right for you. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Visit our website or call today at 800-725-3037.
