Orthopaedic problems are unavoidable as you age. In India, nearly 12 crore people are over the age of 60

Orthopaedic problems are unavoidable as you age. In India, nearly 12 crore people are over the age of 60, and this figure is expected to rise. Because of the rapidly ageing population and biological changes in older adults' bodies, orthopaedic injuries are on the rise. Orthopaedic problems are more common in older men, whereas joint problems are more common in older women.

1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects one in every three older adults. This is a progressive disease that primarily affects the hands, ankles, fingers, spine, and knees. Osteoarthritis makes it difficult to carry out daily tasks, particularly those that require flexibility, movement, or fine motor dexterity. Your orthopaedic specialist can recommend treatments to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

2. Fractures
This is yet another serious issue confronting the elderly. People's bone mineral density decreases as they age. This is especially troublesome in postmenopausal women. Mineral deficiency causes weaker, more brittle bones. It gets worse as people get older because they have more unsteady balance and vision problems, which increases their risk of fractures. Strength training exercises can help to increase bone strength, which can reduce the chances of fracturing a bone.

3. Dislocations
When a joint dislocates, the bones that make up that joint move from their original position. This is common after a fall, when the jolt knocks bones out of the joint. Older adults who have a dislocated joint experience immediate pain, which settles down after a physician assists in repositioning the joint.

4. Osteoporosis
Bone mass peaks around the age of 30 and begins to decline as we get older. This raises the risk of osteoporosis in elderly people. This is a bone disease characterised by low bone density and overall bone mass. When the bone-making process is unable to keep up with bone loss, the bones become brittle and weak.