Our bones and joints are some of the most important structures of the human body, which is why the week of October 12–20 has been designated Bone and Joint Health National Action Week. It is a time that focuses attention on the bone and joint disorders such as back pain and arthritis, which is why we at Bel Marra feel need to spread awareness. We have taken the time to compile a list of our most informative articles on the subject touching on topics such as elbow arthritis, polyarthritis, and osteopenia vs. osteoporosis. We have also included an article on exercise for strong bones to help our readers stay in tip-top shape.
Osteopenia vs. osteoporosis: Understanding the difference
We often hear doctors using the term osteopenia and osteoporosis when referring to human bones, but there is a difference between the two. Understanding the difference can protect you and keep you mobile.
When we look at the words osteopenia and osteoporosis, it’s easy to see how the two can be confused. Aside from the similar spelling, the conditions both relate to bone density. The difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis comes down to the degree of decreased bone density. If a person has osteopenia, they do have decreased bone density, but not to the extent of someone who is suffering from osteoporosis. Continue reading…
How to treat elbow arthritis: Causes, symptoms, exercises, and prevention
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Elbow arthritis is a painful condition that may be caused by overuse, trauma, or simply just getting older. Much like other joints of the body, the elbow joint is lined with cartilage that acts to provide support, allows for flexibility of movement, and help to protect the end of the joint from constant friction. However, when the cartilage surface of the elbow becomes worn out or damage it can lead to elbow arthritis. Continue reading…
What you need to know about aging bones
Young people tend to dismiss matters of health. It’s easy to skip your annual appointment when there’s nothing to remind you of it (besides your yearly planner or a call from the doctor’s office). But as we age, we become unable to afford the luxury of taking our health for granted. Declining sharpness of vision, stiff muscles, ailing joints, and plummeting energy levels won’t let us forget even for a day that our body is not the same as it was 10–20 years ago. Now we make sure not to skip any of those appointments, and screening for serious, life-threatening conditions like heart disease and cancer is now among our top priorities. Continue reading…
Polyarthritis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
The term polyarthritis is used to describe a condition in which more than five joints are affected at the same time. They may be caused by various other arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and a variety of alphavirus-related forms of arthritis including Chikungunya.
The symptoms of polyarthritis present much in the same fashion as the arthritic conditions it is associated with. These include symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain, with or without inflammation. Continue reading…
15 bone strengthening exercises for strong bones
Our bones are strong parts of our body that help support and protect our various organs. They are also vital for producing red and white blood cells, storing minerals, and enabling mobility. All of these aspects contribute to our overall health, which makes keeping them strong and healthy a priority.
Unfortunately, getting older can slowly lead to bone loss, increasing susceptibility to bone related conditions that compromise function. However, weak bones can be remedied with exercise that specifically boosts bone and muscle strength. Continue reading…
