Risk Factors for Orthopedic Conditions

Preventing Orthopedic Problems   

Certain orthopedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, can’t be prevented as they are predominantly genetic, or age related. However, orthopedic doctors advise that a number of conditions, including osteoporosis, carpel tunnel, bursitis and bone injuries, can be prevented by taking the following measures: 

• Build a strong core: Pilates is a great way to strengthen your core, the muscles in your body which help you to maintain balance and promote a good posture, both of which can help to prevent orthopedic problems.  
• Exercise more: Any exercise that gets you moving can help to prevent orthopedic issues, as you build muscle mass and keep your joints supple. Avoid activities that place excessive pressure on your joints though.  
• Improve your diet: Increasing the amount of calcium in your diet can improve bone health and help to prevent osteoporosis.  
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts more pressure on your joints and weakens muscle. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces this pressure and can also help prevent osteoarthritis, which is more common in obese people. 
• Stop smoking: Smoking tobacco in any form reduces bone mass and slows the healing of fractures. Protect your bone health and quit now.  
• Stretching: When done before any exercise, stretching is a great way to improve flexibility and prevent stress injuries to your muscles, joints and ligaments.   

Preventing accidents 

Whilst accidents will happen, orthopedic surgeons warn that there are steps you can take to help reduce their likelihood. These include: 

• Always wear a helmet: Never ride a bike without one. 
• Always wear a seatbelt: The best thing you can do the prevent serious injury when in a car accident.  
• Install handlebars: Older people should consider installing handrails in slippery spaces such as the bath or shower, and on the stairs.  
• Make sports safer: Always wear the correct protective equipment, such as wrist guards, helmets and padding, especially when playing contact sports.  
• Make your space a safer one: You can prevent falls and trips in the home by tidying away clutter or any trip hazards and mopping up spills straight away.  
• Take a break: Repetitive activities can lead to conditions like carpel tunnel, so always take a break.  
• Warm up properly: Warming up your muscles before any exercise can prevent ligament and muscle injuries. 
• Wear the right shoes: It is very important to wear appropriate footwear for the activity you are taking part in. 

Remember! One of the best things you can do to support your orthopedic health is to see your doctor for regular checkups, especially as we get older. 

Our orthopedic doctors in Dubai can discuss additional preventative steps you can take to protect your orthopedic, and overall, health. Book an appointment today with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons.