Your parents are getting old. With later years of life also come several orthopedic problems. Knee pain is quite common among the elderly, which is usually a result of arthritis. There are many different types of arthritis, among which osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common ones. The causes of arthritis vary among individuals. Normal wear and tear is the most prevalent cause. Genetics, too, play a role in this. Other causes include infections, immune system dysfunction, and more.
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Visit an Orthopedic Doctor for Arthritis Diagnosis
If any of your parents are experiencing knee pain, it might very well be because of arthritis. Although, it’s important to note that arthritis requires a thorough diagnosis and shouldn’t be concluded with self-diagnosis. And this is perhaps the first thing you should do to help your parents with their knee pain. Take them to the best orthopaedic doctor in Kolkata and ensure a proper diagnosis. The doctor will help identify the underlying cause of the condition and outline proper treatment.
Make Regular Health Checkups an Essential Part of Life
In addition, there are several things you can do to help your parents with their orthopedic health. Regular health checkup is important. Don’t wait for any other orthopedic problem to pop up before you visit a doctor; don’t wait for a fracture that you have to search for the best doctor for knee surgery. Get them checked to ensure they are in good health; if they aren’t, take early measures to control their condition.
Improve their Everyday Meals
Attend to your parents’ diet. See if they are getting proper nutrition from their daily meals. As one grows old, their body’s needs and requirements change as well. For instance, in your old days, you lose bone mass quickly. You need more of protein, vitamin D, and calcium to make up for this. Sadly, most of us do not keep up with this change, relying on the same type of diet and eating habits that we had decades back. Make sure your parents are getting nutritious foods that are good for their orthopedic health. There are certain types of food that help strengthen bones and joints, like green leafy vegetables, milk, soya beans, sardines, pilchards, tofu, walnuts, berries, grapes, and garlic. Add more of these items to their breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Consult a nutritionist.
Encourage them to Workout
Indian parents aren’t too much into exercising. There’s a good chance your parents don’t exercise as well. If that’s the case, make sure they change that habit. Encourage them to work out; encourage them to walk and stretch every day. Explain to them how getting involved in a light workout every day can help with their knee pain. (Of course, if they are very old and/or have any health condition, you want to consult a doctor before they start exercising.)
Adult children can do a lot in helping their aging parents cope with their deteriorating orthopedic health. They were there for you all along. It’s time for you to support them in their health. Work with them to improve their knee pain and intact their overall health.