Trauma and degeneration are principal causative factors for orthopedic problems in the elderly. Along with limiting mobility, these problems are also associated with pain and discomfort. Osteoporosis is a major cause of most orthopedic disorders in the elderly since it causes the bones to become fragile, increasing the risk of fractures with even slight falls. Even though these problems, being age-related, cannot be prevented, their onset can be delayed through certain precautionary measures.
Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system, in which the bone mass/ density decreases, and the micro-architecture of the bone tissue deteriorates, leading to increased fragility in the bones. The decrease in the levels of the hormone estrogen in postmenopausal women is believed to be associated with the high risk of developing this disease in women after 50. The disease is classified as a “metabolic bone disease”, in which there is an imbalance between the resorption and formation of the bone tissue. The result is the creation of fragile spots in the bone structure, which are usually responsible for injury-related orthopedic problems like hip fractures in the elderly. The quality of life in elderly patients suffering from orthopedic problems is usually affected, with the increased disability caused by these problems leading to deterioration in physical and mental health.
The physicians at OrthoTexas have a special program designed for elderly patients with orthopedic problems, in which the treatment plan includes rehabilitation and counseling, along with the administration of medicines. The focus of such a plan lies in encouraging the patient to keep trying to improve their physical condition and to restore independence to the highest degree possible. Osteoarthritis is another disorder commonly affecting elderly patients. This disease results from arthrosis in the joints and vertebral column, which in turn is caused by age-related degeneration. This disorder is associated with significant pain, along with restricted motion and deformity.
Even though this disease can affect any synovial joint in the body, the most commonly affected joints are the knees, hand, feet, spine and hips. The orthopedic treatment of any joint disorder in the elderly must be structured while taking the risk factor of age into account. Surgery is usually not a practical option for most elderly patients. The focus should rather be laid on improving the quality of life of the patient through exercise, and other lifestyle modifications like weight loss.
Osteoarthritis
It would be impossible to write this list and not include osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects more than 31 million Americans, making it one of the most common orthopedic conditions in the world.
Osteoarthritis is, of course, a form of arthritis that is characterized by pain and tenderness of a joint. It occurs when the cartilage in and surrounding a joint is worn down. This occurs for a variety of reasons but is mostly due to overuse of a joint. It’s common for osteoarthritis to develop in people who work in labor-intensive jobs, such as auto mechanics.
This is one of the few orthopedic conditions that are genetic, though it isn’t the most important risk factor at all. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though no one is sure why. Obesity is another risk factor, as well as joint injury.
In any case, the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Cartilage naturally gets worn down through activity, and there is little to do to prevent that. If you begin to see symptoms of arthritis, the best thing you can do is talk to a doctor immediately. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it will be.
Heavy Purse Syndrome
“Heavy purse syndrome” is a blanket term for a series of orthopedic conditions that surround shoulder pain. Typically characterized by an aching shoulder pain, poor posture and muscle spasms, “heavy purse syndrome” occurs in people who regularly carry heavy loads. Of course, it got its name because it is popular with people who have carried a heavy purse throughout their life.
While it begins to develop early, “heavy purse syndrome” isn’t likely to show itself until later in life. If you are concerned about it, you likely know what to do: try to lighten the load of your purse. If everything that you’re carrying is absolutely necessary, then make sure that you regularly switch what side you carry your purse on. This should help to offset the effects of the weight and help to keep muscles developing evenly.
Shopping can absolutely be an exercise, so it’s best to treat it like one.
Bone Fractures
As you age, the likelihood that you will break or fracture a bone increases. The first reason for this, especially in women, is because of a natural decrease in bone strength. A decrease in estrogen can make bones brittle and weak, leaving them more susceptible to fracture.
Similarly, it’s no secret that age can take a toll on muscles and tendons. As you grow older, it’s likely that you’ll become weaker. You might not be weak, but you won’t be as strong as you once were. This is a common cause of accidents, which of course lend themselves to bone fractures.
Unfortunately, age also makes it much more difficult for people to deal with bone fractures. The mending process becomes extended and less effective. You can’t just “not get into accidents,” though it would be the best way to prevent fractures. What you can do, however, is remember your bone health when making dietary decisions. Drink a glass of milk. Eat a banana. You might not feel the effects for some time but they will one day come in handy.
Avoiding Falls as an Older Adult
Anyone is capable of falling regardless of their age, and there are a number of reasons why this can happen. But if you or one of your parents have reached the point in life where turning age 65 has either occurred or is imminent, then the statistics concerning how many falls actually transpire with aging adults might be uncomfortable to read.
However, learning the frequency in which these unfortunate situations are occurring can also become an important step toward realizing how important it is to remain careful and focused when you are walking.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an older adult falls each second of every day in the United States. Considering that over 10,000 Americans experience their 65th birthday every day, it does not require much imagination to comprehend how significant of a problem the falls of older adults have become.
The CDC also states that one in every four Americans who have reached age 65 falls each year. In fact, an older adult is treated in an emergency situation every 11 seconds due to a fall, which also results in 2.8 million injuries each year that are dealt with in emergency rooms. Falls are also the primary cause of fatal injuries among older adults, as there is a new death every 19 minutes.
Since bones become more brittle as we age, the ramifications of a fall can be significant. There is the potential for a life-threatening situation, while life can change drastically due to a serious injury, such as a fracture of the spine, hip or wrist. Long-term health issues that can ensue will also create a substantial cost for ongoing care.
The entire scenario can also dramatically alter the life of an older adult who can no longer live independently in the aftermath of the event.
All of which underscores why it is critical to take actions that will reduce the chances of experiencing a fall.
Reasons for Falls
Falls can result from a number of causes. This list includes vision problems, which reduce the ability to see obstacles while walking. Dementia can also place someone at a greater risk of a fall due to a decline in mental ability.
Medications can negatively impact awareness and judgment, as can the consumption of alcohol. Also, existing health conditions such as osteoporosis can increase the chances for a fall.
There can also be functional issues inside the home that can become risk factors when walking. These include loose carpets and wet or freshly waxed floors that could lead to a slip. There is also the possibility of tripping over a pet or their leash. Also, any objects that become clutter on the floor can provide yet another problem.
Stairs can clearly pose a challenge, particularly if they do not contain handrails. This is also the case with bathrooms that do not contain grab bars near the toilets or inside the showers.
Reducing the Risk of Falling
There are a number of precautions that can be made in order to decrease the risk of a fall. These include making sure that eye exams are conducted by an eye doctor on an annual basis. This will enable anyone who is in need of an upgrade in their glasses to have that process completed.
It will also be beneficial for you or your family member to discuss your medications with a doctor so that you can be assured that there is no medicine being consumed that will increase the chances of a fall occurring.
It is very important to sustain an active lifestyle if you can, as retaining mobility will also decrease the likelihood of a fall.
There are also preventative measures that can take place inside the home, in order to improve the level of safety and eliminate the potential hazards that could create a fall. The possible threats that were listed in the previous section should be eliminated if they exist in your home or the house where your parents are living.
What to Do If You Fall
An unexpected fall can take place quickly and can be distressing when it does. However, it will be very useful if you can keep yourself calm if you suddenly find yourself experiencing this scenario. Maintaining your composure and assessing whether or not you have suffered an injury before attempting a return to your feet is a safer response than trying to rise prematurely. Because that could intensify any injury that may have occurred when you fell.
If you believe that you can rise safely, you should still carefully position yourself on one side of your body, then slowly work your way to a chair – preferably by crawling. When you arrive at a chair, it is important to keep one knee bent and on the floor rather than attempting to stand. Then you can gradually work your way into the chair from a kneeling position.
If you are unable to stand or have been injured during your fall, you should call 911 or ask someone nearby for assistance. If you are without a phone and nobody is around you, then you should remain as comfortable as possible until assistance becomes available.
Your path to recovery starts here. Schedule an appointment with OrthoTexas or find a location near you.