SAS Nagar, March 23: “Besides the routine problems related to bone and joints, women do experience some orthopedic ailments which are more common in them. The reasons vary from anatomical, hormonal to job patterns etc. Understanding these problems and taking preventive measures can go a long way in maintaining good health.”
This was stated by Dr. Harinder Batth, during a seminar on ‘Orthopaedics problems in women’ at Cosmo Hospital, here yesterday. Dr Batth who is a Senior Consultant in Department of Orthopaedics at Cosmo Hospital said that orthopedic problems in women normally started in 30’s. Anterior knee pain was one of the commonest problem, he remarked.
He said heel pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain or rotator cuff tendonitis, elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis and wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndro were some other common problems faced by women in their 30’s.
Dr Batth said to avoid these problems the women should maintain good sitting and standing posture, avoid lifting with the spine flexed besides maintaining good strength of the rotator cuff muscles by strengthening with a resistive band.
In 40’s, the women came across with orthopiadic problem like postural related back pain, Adhesive Capsulitis or frozen shoulder and various problems in joints, Dr Batth informed .
He said that if the shoulder was starting to get stiff and sore begin aggressive range of motion exercises and physical therapy was advisable. The weight control and keeping muscles well toned and joints flexible can prevent arthritis, he pointed out .
In 50’s, Dr Batth said that the women should get themselves tested for osteoporosis with a dexascan, especially if positive family history. In this age, chronic cervical and lumbar problems ( neck and back pain) was due to wear and tear of disc and joints of spine, which was referred to as degenerative disc disease.
The lack of exercise and obesity were other factors which caused early knee arthritis. The progression of arthritis could be reduced by maintaining ideal weight and keeping the muscles around the knee strong , he asserted.
In the 60’s tendon problems were often due to degenerative changes rather than inflammation, thus the standard treatments might not be helpful, Dr Batth opined. The tendons lack circulation close to their insertion into bone was prone to tendon degeneration due to poor nutrition. The stretching, massage, other soft tissue techniques and activity modification might be helpful in this age. Moreover the risk could be reduced by avoiding smoke and keeping muscle groups strong and nourished with aerobic exercise and weight training.
Dr Batth further said that one should sit and stand upright at all times. Restricting calories, increasing your strength and getting quality sleep were three of the best ways to slow down the aging process, he said.
The women should avoid getting too thin. The women, who have a body mass index (BMI) less than 21, were at risk for osteoporosis. The concept of size zero was actually ruining the health of women. Eating healthy, exercise and having positive attitude could a long way in maintaining good health, added Dr Batth.