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9 early osteoporosis signs that shouldn’t be ignored

9 early osteoporosis signs that shouldn’t be ignored

The bones are the structural blocks of the body because they give it its shape and structure. With osteoporosis, the bones become progressively weak and brittle, so much so that even slight movements can result in an injury. Also, mobility is often affected, so moving about even within the home becomes difficult. However, by detecting osteoporosis early, one can control its symptoms with treatment. Here are some early signs of osteoporosis one shouldn’t ignore:

1. Severe back pain
Like the other bones, the spine may also weaken as osteoporosis progresses. A collapsed or broken spine can lead to excruciating back pain, which can worsen with activity or even slight movements.

2. Loss of height
Many people with osteoporosis develop a hunched back because the bones in the spine become so weak that they begin to crumble. This can make one appear shorter in stature than they are.

3. High susceptibility to fractures
Bone brittleness is a common sign of osteoporosis, wherein bones may break even with the slightest movement or activity. In this scenario, injuries are prevalent, and patients may easily develop fractures as a result. So, if one gets frequent fractures, even with the most basic movements, it is time to consult a doctor.

4. Shortness of breath
In some cases of osteoporosis, the spinal muscles compress so much that they hamper lung functioning. Patients with compressed spinal muscles may suffer from shortness of breath and similar breathing difficulties.

5. Receding gums
The teeth can also be severely affected by osteoporosis, mainly because the jawbones weaken with time. This causes tooth loss, receding gums, and other periodontal diseases. So, people with receding gums who are also facing other osteoporosis symptoms should consult an orthopedist as soon as possible.

6. Weak grip
Loss of bone density tends to weaken one’s grip, so people with osteoporosis may find it challenging to carry out fine motor activities like writing, stitching, and painting. Holding on to objects for a long time may also become difficult.

7. Weak fingernails
Often, with osteoporosis, one’s fingernails become brittle, a sign of less calcium in the body. Since less calcium causes osteoporosis, weak fingernails and other osteoporosis signs can be disease symptoms.

8. Neck pain
Neck pain usually follows wherever there is back pain involved. So, many patients with osteoporosis experience severe neck pain, which worsens with time.

9. Loss of appetite
Changes in posture also affect the abdomen, causing abdominal organs to become more cramped than usual. As a result, one may experience a loss of appetite or major changes in one’s food routine.

Lifestyle and nutrition tips for osteoporosis
Here are a few tips for those with osteoporosis to follow:

1. Eat calcium-dense foods
The most obvious way to address osteoporosis from the root is to have more calcium-rich foods, including dairy, eggs, seeds, yogurt, beans, almonds, and sardines. These foods can replenish the body with calcium, which can improve bone health.

2. Get daily sun exposure
To absorb calcium, one needs adequate vitamin D. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. So, it’s a good idea to bask in the sun, especially in the mornings or evenings, to get enough vitamin D.

3. Avoid salty foods
If the body has excess sodium, calcium levels can get depleted. One should avoid salty, processed foods like fries and wafers to avoid this scenario.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 signs of tardive dyskinesia one can not ignore

Tardive dyskinesia, or TD, causes the body to deal with involuntary movements of the muscles in the body, including the face, limbs, neck, and jaw. Typically, TD is caused by the long-term intake of certain prescription treatments that are used to combat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. These are primarily treatments that interfere with the brain's dopamine receptors. With timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, this neurological condition can be cured over time.  Facial ticks Patients with this condition can experience facial ticks, distortion, and pronounced grimacing of the face. The distortion can be from mild to severe, depending on the condition's intensity. It can also cause the patient to deal with socially distressing situations and impact their confidence. Facial ticks are one of the most common early warning signs that should be taken care of as soon as one notices it. Dental problems The neurological condition can involuntarily cause dental movements to be prolonged. For example, if the patient puckers their lips, they may have difficulty in undoing the movement, which can lead to dental problems. This complication can cause changes in the patient's dental alignment and result in malocclusion. Therefore, TD patients should schedule routine dental checkups and adopt preventive measures to manage their dental health effectively. Twitching limbs Tardive dyskinesia can also present as tremors or shaking of the fore and hind limbs of the patients. However, these tremors might not always be noticeable. In some cases, the shaking is more pronounced when the patients are required to perform tasks that rely on the patient's fine motor control. It includes activities like writing, drawing, and holding objects. Pronounced twitching of the limbs can hinder the patient's ability to execute precise movements. Involuntary blinking Tardive dyskinesia can cause involuntary and rapid blinking of the eyelids, a symptom also commonly known as blepharospasm. Patients can experience mild fluttering of their eyelids and or even pronounced blinking. Patients with severe cases of TD can experience visual disturbances that can significantly impact their day-to-day activities. Impulsive neck movements The condition can also impact the neck muscles of the patient, causing involuntary movements like nodding, tilting, and rotating the neck. These movements can prove to be painful and may disrupt the patient's daily life. With the constant involuntary movements, there is the risk of potential strain or tension of the neck and the inability of the patient to maintain a steady position. Restlessness Akathisia is another common warning sign in patients with TD. The neurological disorder causes patients to experience agitation and restlessness. To alleviate this discomfort, patients tend to change their position constantly. The constant agitation and restlessness can cause mental and emotional distress for the patients and impact their overall well-being. Moreover, the symptoms might even lead to increased stress levels in the patients. Lack of coordination When the condition progresses, it also presents a lack of coordination in the patients. It can hinder activities like walking, writing, fetching things, typing, or even handling the smallest objects. Speech complications Tardive dyskinesia can have long-term implications not only on the patient's facial movements but also on their oral movements. It can change the way a patient speaks, affecting their pronunciation and making it difficult for others to understand what they are trying to communicate. The speech difficulties caused by the condition can frustrate the patient and make everyday communication a challenge.

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