With an orthopedic knee doctor, Fox Valley residents from Green Bay to Oshkosh might make an appointment with this type of specialist for many reasons. A doctor in this specialty can also help you to ensure that the health of your bones is on the right track. As you get older, it is not uncommon for the bones to start to break down. Because of this, you want to better understand what impacts your bone health early. This makes it possible to engage in the right interventions to keep your bones healthy and strong for as long as possible.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use
If you drink more than two drinks a day or you use tobacco in any amount, this could result in your bones taking a hit. Research shows that the body’s ability to absorb calcium is negatively impacted by alcohol. Studies also show that tobacco can cause the bones to weaken over time.
Diet and Exercise
What you eat and how much you move have a direct impact on the health of your bones. When it comes to diet, the most essential mineral is calcium. If you believe your calcium levels might be low, you can have your doctor run blood work. You also want to ensure that you are getting adequate phosphorus and vitamin D as part of the nutrition package. As for exercise, the impact your bones take during activity helps to strengthen them. You want to exercise most days of the week to keep your bones strong.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Anything that has a negative impact on your body’s ability to absorb nutrients can eventually cause issues for your bones. This could be seen in people who have had weight loss surgery for example. Some health conditions also interfere with nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and Cushing’s disease.
Hormone Levels
Your hormones are important for keeping the health of your bones in check. Bone loss might result from reduced female reproductive hormones or due to too much thyroid hormone. It is important that your hormone levels are in balance at all times.
Medications
There are certain medications that might have a negative impact on the health of your bones. One of the biggest culprits is prednisone and other corticosteroid drugs. They can damage bone. Other drugs might also cause issues for your bones, such as proton pump inhibitors, certain anti-seizure drugs and methotrexate.
With this information and the knowledge you get from your orthopedic knee doctor, you can better protect the health of your bones. It is important that you start now so that as you get older, you can enjoy healthier bones and joints.
Getting Started
Request a consultation with one of the knee specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries.
OSI has outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.