• Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, which weakens the bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. It often goes unnoticed because it doesn't typically cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis can affect various bones in the body, but it is particularly common in the hips and spine.

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    <p><a href="https://familypractice-now.com/local/local-family-physician">Family Physician</a><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/family-doctor"> </a>discusses Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment Options</p>

    Family Physician discusses Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment Options

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    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/pharmacist">Pharmacist,</a> discusses the importance of diagnosing and treating osteoporosis.</p>

    Pharmacist, discusses the importance of diagnosing and treating osteoporosis.

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    <p><a href="https://rheumatology-now.com/local/local-rheumatologists">Rheumatologist</a><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/rheumatologist">,</a> discusses What is Osteoporosis and how does it affect your Bone Health?</p>

    Rheumatologist, discusses What is Osteoporosis and how does it affect your Bone Health?

  • Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment Options

    The are many bones and joints in the foot, and the ends of the bones in many of these joints are covered in articular cartilage. This cartilage provides a surface that helps the bones move smoothly over one another during movement. Over time, through injury or repetitive use, this cartilage can gradually be worn away which leads to a loss of joint space between the bones. This can in turn lead to structural changes within the bone, such as the formation of osteophytes or “bone spurs”. This chronic condition is known as osteoarthritis or OA for short.

                          

                          

    A kinesiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in human movement and exercise. They are trained to assess, manage, and enhance physical function and performance. In the context of managing OA in the foot or any other joint, a kinesiologist can play a role in designing and implementing exercise programs tailored to the individual's needs.

    Here's how a kinesiologist can help with OA in the foot:

    1. Exercise Prescription: A kinesiologist can develop a customized exercise program that focuses on improving joint mobility, strengthening the muscles around the affected joint, and enhancing overall physical function. They will consider your specific condition, limitations, and goals to create a safe and effective exercise plan.

    2. Instruction and Supervision: The kinesiologist will guide you through the exercises, ensuring that you perform them correctly and safely. They can provide hands-on assistance and adjustments to ensure proper form and technique. Regular sessions with a kinesiologist can help you stay motivated, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your program.

    3. Range of Motion and Stretching: Kinesiologists can help you with gentle stretching exercises to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. They can teach you range of motion exercises that target the affected joint, promoting mobility and reducing pain.

    4. Strength Training: Strengthening the muscles around the affected joint is crucial for joint stability and support. A kinesiologist can guide you through appropriate strength training exercises that target the specific muscles involved. They will gradually progress the exercises to challenge your muscles and promote functional improvement.

    5. Functional Training: In addition to isolated exercises, a kinesiologist can incorporate functional movements and activities into your program. This may involve exercises that mimic real-life movements and tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair. Functional training helps improve your ability to perform everyday activities with greater ease and reduced pain.

    6. Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Kinesiologists can provide education on OA, including information on joint protection techniques, activity modifications, and strategies for managing symptoms. They may also provide guidance on other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition and weight management, which can have a positive impact on joint health.

    Remember that it's important to consult with your healthcare team, including your physiotherapist or family physician, before starting any new exercise program or seeking the assistance of a kinesiologist. They can help ensure that the treatment plan is comprehensive and tailored to your specific needs.

    The physicians are in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada,  Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Medical Association

    Key Words: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Raynaud's phenomenon and  Hip replacement,  

     

  • Good Nutrition for Osteoporosis

    Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, particularly for individuals at risk of osteoporosis. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are indeed important micronutrients to focus on.

    Calcium is a mineral essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are good sources of calcium. However, if someone is lactose intolerant or follows a vegan diet, they can obtain calcium from other sources such as leafy green vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale), fortified plant-based milk alternatives, tofu, and certain nuts and seeds.

    Magnesium is another mineral that contributes to bone health. While it is found in dairy products, it is also present in foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables such as kale or spinach.

    Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization. It helps the body utilize calcium effectively. While the primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, it can be challenging to obtain enough through sun exposure alone, especially for individuals with limited sunlight exposure or living in regions with less sunlight. Therefore, getting vitamin D from dietary sources becomes important. Foods fortified with vitamin D, such as fortified dairy products, some plant-based milk alternatives, and breakfast cereals, can be helpful. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, egg yolks, and mushrooms exposed to UV light are natural sources of vitamin D. However, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D through diet alone, so supplementation may be necessary for many individuals. The recommended intake for vitamin D is at least 1,000 international units (IU) per day for maintaining healthy bones, as you mentioned.

    It's always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional, such as a family physician, who can provide personalized advice based on individual needs and health conditions. They can help create a balanced diet plan that includes adequate amounts of these essential micronutrients to support bone health.

     

    The loss of bone strength in osteoporosis occurs due to an imbalance between the formation of new bone tissue and the removal of old bone tissue. Normally, the body continuously breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. However, in osteoporosis, this balance is disrupted, leading to a net loss of bone density over time.

    Certain factors can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including age (as bone density naturally decreases with age), gender (women are at higher risk, especially after menopause), family history, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D.

    If you suspect you may have osteoporosis or are at risk, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your bone health and provide appropriate guidance and treatment.

    Remember to verify the information provided by contacting the healthcare providers directly, as network participation and availability can vary over time. Find local massage therapists physiotherapists and personal trainers to help with strength and conditioning if you are experiencing arthritis.
     
    Early detection of osteoporosis is essential to prevent fractures and manage the condition effectively. Screening tests, such as bone density scans, can assess bone health and diagnose osteoporosis before fractures occur. Treatment options for osteoporosis may include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as medications to improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.
     

    The physicians are in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada,  Canadian Rheumatology Association and the Canadian Medical Association

    Key Words: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Raynaud's phenomenon and  Hip replacement,  

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