Be in the know about bone and joint health
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
If you’ve ever experienced this, you know there is nothing funny about it. But did you also know it is not a bone? It’s your ulnar nerve, running inside your elbow.
When you think of bones and joints, what comes to mind?
- More than half of the American population over the age of 18 (54%) are affected by musculoskeletal (bone and joint) conditions, according to The Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States.
- One in three (33%) people over the age of 18 required medical care for a MSK condition in each of the years 2009 to 2011 – a 19% increase over the last decade.
- Bone and joint conditions are the most common cause of severe, long-term pain and physical disability worldwide – affecting millions of people.
- The global prevalence of MSK conditions is predicted to increase greatly due to increasing life expectancy and changes in risk factors unless new treatments and preventive measures are found.
- You were born with 300 bones, but as you age, they fuse together leaving you with 206 bones.
- With the 54 bones you have in your hand, fingers and wrist, you are flexible enough to write, play an instrument and browse your smartphone.
- Every seven years, you develop a new skeleton because the collagen in bones constantly replenishes itself.
- When you hear that "creaking" sound in your bones as you flex your foot or other joint in your body, blame the arthritis that develops as your bone cartilage thins.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and phosphorous.
- MOVE using regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing and step aerobics, that can protect your bones. Be sure to include strength training in your exercise routine.
- MAINTAIN a healthy weight.
- DON’T smoke and limit alcohol intake.
- KNOW your risk factors. Some conditions and medications can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk with your provider to develop a prevention plan.
- Oct.12: World Arthritis Day
- Oct. 16: World Spine Day
- Oct 17: World Trauma Day
- Oct 19: World Pediatric Bone and Joint (PB&J) Day
- Oct 20: World Osteoporosis Day
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is a great resource for more information on these conditions as well as ways to support bone and joint health.