Orthopaedic problems are on the rise among Indians. SHAlINI SAKSENA speaks with doctors who say that lack of exercise and not eating a balanced diet are common causes for bone-related ailments
For this 41-year-old working professional, getting up with a low back ache on most morning is nothing new. Numerous visits to the orthopaedic doctors in the Capital failed to bring her relief. But then she is not alone. There are thousands of Indians who suffer from low back pain, neck pain and sporting injuries that arise from going to the gym. Though many people who go to the gym get injured, doctors say that to keep the bones healthy one must exercise regularly. If one is going to the gym, make sure that the trainer is good.
According to Dr Vivek logani, Consultant, Centre for Joint Reconstruction, Fortis Hospital, who treats around 40 per cent gym-related injuries between the age group of 15 and 25 years, low back, shoulder and wrist injuries are common gym-related problems. “People resort to shortcuts for a healthy body. The result, injuries. Even people who run or walk on the treadmill get knee problems. Very few know that there is a technique to walk on the hard surface. Also, before one gets on to the treadmill, one must do warm-up exercises,” logani advises.
Agrees Dr Harshavardhan Hegde, senior consultant, othopaedics and spine, Nova Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital. After osteoporosis, gym-related problems are on the rise, he says.
“The average lifespan is now 75 years. People are living longer so age-related problems are on the rise. Advancement in medical science means that ailments can now be identified. It is not as if people earlier didn’t have ortho problems, they did. They just went undetected. Stress and the kind of lifestyles we are leading, lack of exercise and not eating a balanced diet are other contributors,” Dr Hegde says.
He also tells you that smoking and drinking adds to bone problems immensely. Though there is no direct relationship between drinking and bone ailments, the fact that some people don’t eat a healthy balance diet while drinking may lead to problems in the future.
However, he is quick to point out that smoking has a direct effect on the cartilage.
“The idea to remain thin and have fair skin are also causes of worry. The obsession to be fair means that women avoid sunlight which leads to Vitamin D-3 deficiency. Eating a balanced diet will provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed by the body. But most Indians don’t have a healthy lifestyle. A walk for 40 minutes (4 km) daily can help prevent many bone-related problems. To help convert calcium from passive to active 15 to 20 per cent of our body needs to be exposed to the sun for at least 15 minutes each day.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that one has to sit out in the sun. The same can be achieved by walking in the sun as well,” Dr Hegde tells you.
Points to Ponder