There are many common things Bone and joint disorderswhich affect millions of people worldwide and are a leading cause of disability. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis.Arthritis And rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent. osteoarthritisThe disease, characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States alone, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects about 1 percent of the global population, causes chronic inflammation of the joints.

We spoke to Dr Debashish Chanda, Chief Consultant, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who explained the causes and symptoms of common joint disorders.

Dr. Debashish Chanda explains that many diseases can affect the bones and joints, causing pain and disability.

, osteoporosisThis is a condition in which the bones become weak and the risk of fractures increases.

– Arthritis is another prevalent disorder that includes conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which cause pain and swelling in the joints.

– Other common musculoskeletal disorders include tendinitis, bursitis, and bone fractures. These conditions can cause a lot of discomfort and reduced mobility, so it’s important to understand their symptoms and causes.

Dr. Debashish Chanda explains that the symptoms of bone and joint disorders can vary depending on the specific condition, but often include:

– Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the affected area is a common symptom.

– Swelling: Swelling around the joints often indicates inflammation.

– Stiffness: Many disorders result in decreased flexibility and difficulty moving the joints.

– Weakness: The muscle strength around the affected bones and joints may decrease.

– Visible deformities: In severe cases, obvious deformities in the bones or joints may develop, which can affect physical appearance and functioning.

Dr. Debashish Chanda explains that bone and joint disorders can arise due to various causes, including:

– Aging: Natural wear and tear over time can lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis.

– Genetics: A family history of bone and joint problems may increase a person’s risk.

– Injuries: Traumatic injuries can damage bones, joints and surrounding tissues, causing long-term problems.

– Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis occur when the immune system attacks joint tissues.

– Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can attack the bones and joints, resulting in a condition such as septic arthritis.

Dr. Debashish Chanda explains that several factors can increase the risk of developing bone and joint disorders:

– Age: The risk of joint and bone problems increases with age.

– Gender: Women, especially after menopause, are more susceptible to osteoporosis.

– Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact bone and joint health.

– Obesity: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the joints, especially the knees and hips.

– Occupation: Lifting heavy weights or doing jobs that require repetitive motions can increase the risk of joint damage.

Dr. Debashish Chanda explains that maintaining bone and joint health requires a proactive approach. This includes:

Regular physical activity, including weight lifting and strength training, is important for building and maintaining bone density.

– Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints, while a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D maintains bone health.

It’s also important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as both can weaken bones.

– Proper posture and ergonomics can help prevent joint strain and injury.

“For those who are already suffering from bone and joint problems, proper diagnosis and treatment is vital. Management strategies may include medication, physiotherapy, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention,” he added.

Dr. Chanda also emphasized advances in surgical technology, such as the ROSA Knee System. This robotic surgical assistant helps orthopedic surgeons perform total knee arthroplasty, improving outcomes.

Get the latest news on Times Now as well as breaking news and top headlines from across health and the world.