Women’s Health Month Series: Rheumatology Reminders

For the fourth and last installment of our Ladies’s Well being Month weblog collection, we spoke with Lei Wang, MD, a rheumatologist with Dignity Well being Woodland Clinic. Dr. Wang shares steerage on widespread rheumatic ailments — that are circumstances that have an effect on joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscle mass.

What are some rheumatic circumstances ladies ought to pay attention to as they age?

Dr. Wang: There are a number of widespread rheumatic problems that may have an effect on folks as they age, together with polymyalgia rheumatica, large cell arteritis, osteoarthritis, crystal arthritis and osteoporosis. Amongst these circumstances, the next are extra widespread in ladies, particularly after they enter menopause, round age 55:

• Osteoarthritis is injury to the cartilage on the finish of our bones, inflicting the bones throughout the joint to rub collectively and produce ache, swelling or lack of movement.
• Osteoporosis is a lack of bone mass or density, inflicting bones to turn into brittle and elevating the chance for bone breakage.

What preventative measures can ladies take to decrease their danger of those circumstances?

Dr. Wang: Taking calcium and vitamin D dietary supplements, each that are important vitamins for bone well being. Even ladies of their early teenagers ought to get sufficient calcium of their food regimen to stop osteoporosis later in life.

Wholesome life-style habits may help cut back the chance of growing rheumatic circumstances, in addition to contribute to total good well being together with:

• Sustaining a wholesome weight
• Incorporating train into each day exercise (cardio train, weight-bearing and resistance workouts)
• Quitting or avoiding smoking cigarettes
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Eradicating potential risks from the house to stop falls or damage

Usually, osteoporosis signs usually are not noticeable, making screening particularly essential as we age. The earlier osteoporosis is detected, the earlier life-style adjustments might be applied that may significantly cut back the chance of fractures. Ladies who’re postmenopausal and ladies over 65 years outdated must be screened for osteoporosis yearly. If you happen to discover a lack of top, stooped posture, low again ache, or an simply damaged bone, it is best to discuss to your physician about screening.

Contact your major care doctor or rheumatologist to debate and schedule annual screenings, or seek the advice of our “Discover a Physician” software to discover a Dignity Well being physician close to you.