In the realm of orthopaedic health (the condition of your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments), bone density largely affects your risk of future injuries. It’s a diagnostic tool and a predictor of future issues that your orthopaedic physician can use for detailed evaluations and treatment plans. Fortunately, if your testing reveals low bone density, various strategies can help bolster your bones and reduce your risk of fractures.
What is Bone Density, Exactly?
Bone density refers to the calcium and other minerals in bone tissue. It’s a key measurement in diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, and it can help your orthopaedic physician predict the likelihood of bone fractures.
How Bone Density Affects Orthopaedic Health
With age, bone density naturally declines as the body produces less new bone tissue. Other factors, including a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and hormonal fluctuations, can also contribute to low bone density. This makes your bones more fragile and brittle, elevating your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Although age inherently leads to lower bone density, healthy habits can help preserve your orthopaedic health as you get older, including:
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2, which are crucial nutrients for bone health.
- Stay physically active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, as regular exercise preserves existing bone tissue and prevents bone loss. Strength training is known to be particularly helpful in maintaining bone density.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as both of these habits can elevate your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Address hormone conditions that can contribute to osteoporosis, like an overactive thyroid gland.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re taking medications that can lead to bone loss in the long term, like corticosteroid medications.
Dr. Michael Higgins is an experienced Hernando County physician, offering expert care for all types of orthopaedic conditions. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!