Raising Awareness for Bones and Joints
Bone and Joint Action Week (October 12th- 20th) is a time designated to raise awareness about musculoskeletal conditions. Over half of the population, aged 18 years and older suffers from some form of bone and/or joint problem, ranging from back pain and traumatic injury to arthritis and osteoporosis. It’s no surprise then, that musculoskeletal problems are a leading cause of physical disability and long-term pain.
Since the body has many bones and joints that are susceptible to musculoskeletal issues, it’s important to know about them to be prepared for when they affect yourself or someone you love. Even more important is taking preventative measures to mitigate effects as you get older.
Don’t wait until later. Take care of your body now.
One of the best ways to combat musculoskeletal issues later is to take care of your bones, joints, and soft tissues earlier. Keep your body healthy with regular physical activity. Staying active reduces risk of obesity, weak bones, and stiff joints, which can all adversely affect your musculoskeletal health.
Additionally, make sure to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Your bones need calcium and vitamin D to maintain strength. Additionally, your joints can benefit from anti-inflammatory foods like salmon (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), extra virgin olive oil, and red or purple fruits.
Finally, develop strength, flexibility, and good posture to maintain a fit and healthy body. These features can help prevent issues like back pain and injuries from say, a twisted or sprained ankle. Using protective sports equipment and the proper shoes for the activity can further reduce risk of traumatic injury that can have long-lasting painful effects.
For more information regarding Bone and Joint Action Week, click here for the US Bone and Joint Initiative’s website. If you have musculoskeletal issues, it can be beneficial to make an appointment today at Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group for a thorough assessment for how your feet or ankles may be affected. One of our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Douglas H. Richie, Dr. Jeremy L. Cook, Dr. Faye E. Izadi will be happy to help at either of our Seal Beach, CA and Los Alamitos, CA offices in Orange County.
