Heredity
If your parents have suffered from problems with the musculoskeletal system, you have an increased risk of such problems. Therefore, do not wait for the manifestations of a dangerous disease, and add to your to-do list preventive examinations, especially if you have had a fracture of the radius, shoulder, femoral neck, ribs or other injury.
Another worrying sign is a decrease in height of more than 2 cm per year, or 4 cm compared to the height you had in your youth. It can also be a manifestation of the onset of the disease. To avoid this, see a doctor as a preventive measure.
Age over 60 years.
Bone fragility problems are very common after the age of 60. This disease is common in postmenopausal women when there is a deficiency of the sex hormone estrogen. To protect yourself you need the following tests:
- X-ray of problem joints;
- densitometry – determination of bone mineral density;
- levels of calcium, creatinine in the blood and daily urine.
If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional diagnostics: magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy.
Lack of movement.
Due to the decrease or lack of sufficient physical activity, muscle structures gradually weaken. This provokes pathological changes in bone and joint structures.
The most useful preventive measures are physical exercises aimed at high physical activity (swimming, Nordic walking, skiing, dancing). It helps to strengthen different muscle groups and slow down bone loss and degenerative changes in the cartilage of the joints.
The risk of fractures and injuries increases after the age of 50, not only because the bones weaken, but also because the body becomes less flexible. Therefore, make it a rule to start each day with stretching: it will take only 10-15 minutes. Stretching is important to improve the amplitude of movements, to perform them without pain and effort. Tight muscles are more prone to injury than relaxed ones. Improving blood flow and relieving muscle tension reduces stress. This is a great way to relax after a hard day’s work, especially since muscle flexibility is greatest in the evening.
You can also perform water treatments with massage. To do this, use special gloves or a massager to stretch the tissues and stimulate blood flow. This will help keep your muscles and joints toned.
Lack of useful trace elements.
People with osteoporosis often lack calcium and vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium (many of us do not consume even half the daily amount of calcium with food). Collagen is also essential for bone health. It is a filamentous protein that forms the basis of connective tissue. It is one of the key components of joints, bones, tendons, hair, skin, nails, teeth. In addition, collagen forms the walls of veins, arteries and capillaries.
If you suspect that you have osteoporosis, see your doctor. Timely treatment with certain drugs (Fosamax, Risofos) will help stop the disease!