Regular Orthopedic Check-up – Why It’s so Important??

Yes yes yes! We all know that “health is wealth”, which has been reiterated in the recent Pandemic situations. But are we committed to our well being with a healthy diet, exercise and regular health checkups?
It’s been like a tradition in our society to call on a doctor only when you are feeling unwell or catch a disease. Some diseases take time to show their signs and symptoms physically while they have been growing inside our body for years. So, it’s always better to go for regular health Check-Ups annually, semiannually, or quarterly – to help identify any health risks or diseases at an early stage.

The importance of bone health:

It s a must to include Orthopedic checkups within your regular health check up routine as bones are the framework of the human body provide support for movement. They protect the major organs like the heart, lungs and the brain from extensive injury. Our bones also are powerhouses that store minerals and calcium; the minerals are released into the body whenever needed. Your bones can be strong and healthy by consuming a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamin D, intake plenty of sun, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Weak bones are susceptible to fractures and other long-lasting health problems.
Orthopedic health unfortunately, often gets overlooked by most people and are attended to only when the problems become aggravated and chronic, affecting the quality of life in a significant way. It then requires extensive and lifelong treatment. Doctors and fitness experts recommend a regular orthopedic check-up so to prevent any bone and joint-related problems, which become more probable and prevalent with age.

Why should you go for regular Orthopedic Checkups :

Regular Orthopedic check-ups make sure that it is easier to diagnose and detect bone and joint problems before they turn too severe and affect mobility and your everyday life. Regular check-ups can make sure that you get the advice and support you need from your Orthopedist to help you live a painfree and unrestricted life. The benefits of Regular Checkups are many:
● It helps to maintain your orthopedic health.
● Regular checkups helps identify early signs of any problems and subsequently prevent those problems or slow down their growth.
● Helps to avoid bone thinning, prevent deformity, detect degenerative changes, and other common problems that affect the majority of seniors.
• Reduces Health Care Costs

A fall in your early years may not affect you but a similar fall in your 50s, 60s, and beyond will lead to serious physical injury. This is because your body has changed with age and this means that its nutrition requirement is now different; the needs and capabilities of your orthopedic health also have changed.. The joints have started to wear out and bone loss is now more common. Your orthopedic structure requires proper care to stay strong. This is why regular checkups is critical; especially as you get older.

As you get older you would still want to be physically able and move around without pain or difficulty. You would want fewer injuries and better mobility. This is only possible when you start caring about your orthopedic health from a younger age. No matter what’s your age at present, it’s the best time to start caring more about the health of your bones and joints. Visiting and experienced and caring orthopedic doctor like Dr Arunava Lala on a regular basis is the key to maintaining your Orthopedic health. Make regular orthopedic check-ups a part of your annual healthcare routine and move forward confidently to be old, physically fit and healthy.

In geriatric population, regular orthopedic checkups hold much more importance. After 50 years of age, body starts to change and eventually deteriorates despite proper nutrition and physical activity. In order to treat such conditions, they should be detected early.

To detect degenerative changes

Degeneration of joints is a natural process after 50 years of age and is prominently seen in knee and spinal joints. Though the process can’t be stopped, it can slow down with minimum complications if care is taken at the right time. Any vigorous wear and tear of joints can be noticed in regular screening process. This may help in improving the prognosis of the joint condition.

To avoid bone thinning

Bones lose their density with age due to a numerous reasons like less physical activity, low metabolic rate of body and menopause in women etc. Reduction in bone density goes unnoticed if regular check up is not done. This may lead to fragility fractures and further complications. Bone densitometry scan is done to keep a check on bone health and if there is reduced density calcium supplements and exercises are prescribed to avoid fractures.

To prevent deformity

Deformity can also occur mainly due to weak muscles. Most commonly, deformities are seen in spine such as stooped posture, scoliosis and kyphosis. If these are not treated on time, it may compress spinal nerves and cause numbness, radiating pain and weakness of limbs. Weakness of leg muscles may lead to knock knees or bow legs which dissipates unequal forces on joints and hasten the degenerative process. Maintaining muscles and early diagnosis of deformities can save you from lot of pain and keep you going for a long time.

To keep musculoskeletal pain in check

Improper musculoskeletal functions may lead to generalized weakness which may disable the patient completely. It is important to maintain proper ergonomics to minimise stress on body due to daily activities like standing, sitting etc. Regular screenings and check up can help to rule out biomechanical faults and reduce the chances of injury so that we can enjoy life to its fullest.

An orthopedic evaluation gives your surgeon the information they need to recommend the most appropriate form of treatment for your musculoskeletal condition or injury. These evaluations provide your surgeon with the information they need to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Preparing for your orthopedic evaluation ahead of time can save you from the time and expense of extra follow-up visits.
After your orthopedic evaluation is complete, your surgeon will discuss your treatment options with you based on your medical history exam and the results of physical and imaging tests.
To prevent or manage orthopedic problems like bone deformity, bone loss, degenerative changes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and more, you should visit an expert and experienced orthopedic like Dr Arunava Lala often for a regular check-up and he can schedule an orthopedic evaluation to ensure that any undiagnosed conditions don’t worsen.