Aging Bones: 4 Common Skeletal Disorders Among Elderly

As our hair grays, our body becomes increasingly frail. Some might find it harder to carry out certain daily functions, while others are more prone to diseases and disabilities. For instance, an elderly person suffers from higher risk of fracture due to reduced bone size and density.

These are some common bone conditions faced by the elderly:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens when joint cartilage breaks down. Although it could attack any joints, it usually affects the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. Osteoarthritis causes the stiffness of the joint cartilage, leading to increased susceptibility to damage. As the joint cartilage wears away, it becomes a less effective shock absorber. Eventually, the bones may even rub against each other if the condition worsens.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement
• Pain after overuse or after long periods of idle
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers
• Joint swelling

Osteomalacia

Someone with osteomalacia would have “soft bones.” Osteomalacia prevents the bones from hardening, which makes them weak and more likely to fracture. The main reason for this condition is the lack of vitamin D for absorption of calcium, which is the mineral required to build and maintain strong bones.

Symptoms of osteomalacia are:

• Brittle bones
• Feeling tired
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Difficulty getting up from sitting or walking up stairs
• Weak muscles in arms and thighs
• Walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become more “porous”, leaving them weak and prone to fractures. The bones that are most likely to break are the spine, hip, and wrist.

Early in life, bone is broken down and replaced continuously during bone remodeling. However, bone loss occurs when the bone is broken down faster than bone buildup after the mid-30s. Less bone remodeling results in the thinning of bones.

The most obvious indicator of osteoporosis is a fracture. Nevertheless, other occasional symptoms are:

• Backache
• A gradual loss of height with stooped posture
• Fractures of the spine, wrist, or hip

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune condition that results in the inflammation of joint linings (the synovium). This condition affects the joints symmetrically on both sides of the body, such as both hands, both wrists, or both knees. The joints may appear red, warm, swollen, and painful.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after you sit for a long time
• Fatigue

As daunting as aging can be, consulting a doctor for bone problems as soon as possible can help to delay the deterioration of the condition. If you or your loved ones suffer from bone conditions, book an appointment with GetDoc.

References:

1. The basics of osteoarthritis. [Internet] [cited 2018 September 15] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#2-4
2. What is osteomalacia? [Internet] [cited 2018 September 15] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/what-is-osteomalacia#1
3. Understanding osteoporosis – The basics. [Internet] [cited 2018 September 15] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/understanding-osteoporosis-basics
4. Understanding osteoporosis – The symptoms. [Internet] [cited 2018 September 15] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/understanding-osteoporosis-symptoms
5. What is rheumatoid arthritis. [Internet] [cited 2018 September 15] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-basics#1

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Tags

• Aging bones
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteomalacia
• osteoporosis
• Rheumathoid arthritis