Orthopaedic problems and conditions have affected thousands of women globally. There are specific factors in a woman's body that highly contributes to her vulnerability to orthopaedic disorders.
Prevention methods and activities like a balanced diet, proper exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and regular visit to an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore protect women from obtaining chronic orthopaedic problems.
Education and self-awareness are also essential tools in preventing these bone disorders that may lead to a major Singapore orthopaedic surgery.
Here are the most common orthopaedic problems and conditions women should watch out for:
Although men and women can suffer from osteoporosis, older women are more prone to develop one. Osteoporosis is often associated with bone density loss, weakening the bones and making them vulnerable to fractures. Fractures obtained from slipping, falling, and tripping may cause severe injuries and may require Singapore orthopaedic surgery.
Estrogen, a hormone found in women, plays a significant role in the progression of osteoporosis. The estrogen acts as a protection of the bones. The estrogen levels in the body decrease as women age; therefore, leaving the bones unprotected. These decreases usually happen in the menopausal stage.
It is the reason why women are more prone to hip, leg, and spine injuries due to fall because they have weaker and more brittle bones than men. Osteoporosis prevention starts at a young age. Exercise and a balanced diet can lower the risk of osteoporosis. Older women can also consult an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore for more prevention tips. Awareness of the surrounding and cautious movements can also prevent accidents from happening.
Morton's neuroma, or the intermetatarsal neuroma, is a condition where the tissue in your toe, normally located between the third and fourth toe, thickens. This tissue is next to a nerve. The person may experience pain at the ball of the foot whenever the tissue hits the nerve. It also gives a sensation of having or stepping on a pebble. Consult your orthopaedic doctor in Singapore if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Women are more vulnerable to Morton's neuroma because women have a narrower foot structure than men. Prolonged wearing of high heels also increases the progression of Morton's neuroma. High heels squeeze the toes and put more pressure on the feet.
Depending on the severity of Morton's neuroma, your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore may subject you to surgery. Mild and manageable cases may receive non-surgical treatments such as soft pads and insoles, painkillers, and radiofrequency ablation.
Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis or thumb arthritis, happens when the arthritis forms in the joint cartilage connecting the thumb and wrists. It is common for women to develop because of the estrogen levels in the body. Women age 40 and above may obtain arthritic thumbs.
Hereditary conditions, underlying joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, overuse of thumb joint, and thumb injuries and fractures are the several contributing factors of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis. Visit your orthopaedic doctor in Singapore if you suspect thumb arthritis.
The treatment for thumb arthritis may vary depending on its severity. Your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore may require an X-ray for a more precise diagnosis. Severe cases may require surgery, such as removal of the trapezium, one of the thumb bones near the affected joint. Non-invasive treatments include medication, bracing, steroidal injection, and special thumb splints.
Frozen shoulder is the thickening, stiffness, and inflammation of the shoulder joint. Women who have frozen shoulders may experience movement restriction, shoulder pain, and shoulder muscle tightness. Frozen shoulders can last up to six to nine months. The symptoms gradually disappear during this period.
Frozen shoulders are commonly seen on women than men and are mistaken as arthritis. Several risk factors are stroke, surgeries temporarily restricting arm movements, diabetes, heart diseases, and thyroid conditions. Your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore may suggest taking imaging tests like an x-ray for a more precise diagnosis.
Non-invasive treatment for frozen shoulders includes exercise, medications, and therapy. Surgical treatment like removal of the scarred tissue and adhesions, although invasive procedures have been rarely done.
Although ACL injuries are common to athletes, especially those who play sports with rigorous footwork such as football and basketball, more ACL injuries have been recorded among women players for unknown reasons.
The ACL tear or sprain occurs when there is an abrupt change of direction of the lower limbs. Symptoms include swollen knees, sharp pain in the knee, and worst case, a popping sound that indicates a ruptured ACL.
Experts believe that women are more vulnerable to ACL injuries due to anatomical differences, including the narrower femur and wider pelvis.
Your doctor may recommend Singapore orthopaedic surgery like arthroscopic surgery for severe cases of ACL tear and sprain. For mild cases, non-invasive treatments can be done, including exercise and physical therapy.
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