Bone/Joint Conditions Cause Pain and Limit Mobility

Many adults give up playing sports, gardening or running because of chronic pain in their bones and joints.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports more than 1.7 billion people worldwide live with painful and disabling musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions — arthritis, back pain, fractures, osteoporosis, sports trauma and other ailments — often limit a person’s mobility and dexterity. Physical limitations often lead to early work retirement, lower levels of well-being and reduced ability to participate in society.

Musculoskeletal conditions are predicted to increase unless new treatments and preventive measures are found, according to the U.S. Bone & Joint Initiative. Reasons for the rise in cases include increasing life expectancy and risk factor changes.

Bone and Joint Action Week is observed Oct. 12-20. The week raises awareness worldwide about prevention, disease management and treatment for several conditions.

Childhood Injuries Lead to Adult Chronic Pain

Sometimes pain extends from childhood into adulthood. People who experienced a bone or joint injury as a child often suffer from chronic pain, stiffness or limited mobility as adults.

In fact, each year, about 19 million children receive medical treatment for a musculoskeletal condition. Examples of these conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures, tendinitis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis. All of these musculoskeletal disorders affect mobility and function.

Contributing factors include car accidents, playground accidents, sports injuries, as well as obesity, poor posture and Vitamin D deficiency.

Treatments Vary for Bone/Joint Pain

Adults living with chronic bone and joint pain should not delay treatment. Several options are available for pain relief. The Arthritis Foundation offers four tips for musculoskeletal pain management at home:

• Take your prescription and over-the-counter drugs recommended by your doctor to help control inflammation and pain.
• Manage your weight, because excess weight can cause more pressure on the weight-bearing joints and increase discomfort.
• Walking, water aerobics at your local gym or yoga can help reduce joint pain and improve flexibility, balance and strength. Riding on a stationary bike also helps keep your heart in shape.
• Keep a positive attitude and spend time with family and friends to boost your ability to cope with pain.

Exercises, activities and medications may not relieve your pain long term. Long-term relief may include an orthopedic procedure or joint replacement surgery. These procedures can increase your range of motion and relieve pain. Then, you can return to the sports and activities you enjoy with friends and family.

Schedule Your Procedure Before Your Deductible Resets

Orthopedic expertise is available from our group of nationwide doctors. Our orthopedists offer a customized approach to joint care. Our surgeons perform most bone and joint procedures at surgery centers — often a less costly procedure. Find a center near you to learn more about your options.

Have you met your insurance deductible? Schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.