Orthopedic Problems in Women and their Treatement

We have with us today Dr. Sachin Bhonsle,Consultant Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Wockhardt Bone and Joint Care, Mumbai, India who talks about Orthopedic problems in Women.

Dr.Bhonsle was a Lecturer in Orthopaedics in the premier and highly acclaimed institute Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai University. He was also the HOD (head of department) at the Department of Orthopaedics in Derna, Libya,before he Joined Wockhardt Hospitals

Here are some of the excerpts of his Interview with us

Are orthopedic problems dependent upon Gender

While orthodpedic problems does not make a distinction between men and women, Some research suggests that women might be prone to more bone and joint related disorder than men.Biomechanical, genetic and lifestyle differences between the genders contribute to the disparities in men’s and women’s pain. In certain cases, treatments may need to take gender-specific issues into account to deliver effective pain relief.

Medical Research suggests the following:

• Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patella, or Kneecap Pain)…

• 41% more women than men (41 million vs. 29 million) suffer from Arthritis in general.

• Women are more likely to have Osteoarthritis of the Knee and thumbs

• women are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis
• Women are more susceptible to footwear-induced ankle sprains than men
• Women tend to suffer more often from fibromyalgia
• Women develop osteoporosis more often as well as earlier than men

Biologically, there are several situations for women (unlike men) that demand additional care to manage today’s fast paced multi-tasking lifestyle.

What are some of the most common Bone and Joint Problems in Women

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

is the name for a group of problems including numbness, pain, tingling, especially in early mornings and weakness in the hand. It is often the result of swelling inside the carpal tunnel, which places pressure on the median nerve

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WHY WOMEN: Research suggests that because women’s wrists are on average, 10 % narrower due to which women can be more susceptible to crowding in the carpal tunnel passage. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are exclusive to women. Women also suffer more often from thyroid problems which are directly linked to Carpal tunnel syndrome.

TREATMENT: wearing a wrist brace, especially at night, as one part of therapy. Treatment may also include medications, stretching and strengthening specific wrist muscles and changing the position of the wrist while in use. If symptoms persist, a physician may recommend injection or surgery. Surgery of carpal tunnel is a very simple and successful surgery which instantly and permanently cures the symptoms

Arthritis:

Arthritis means an inflammation of a joint eventually leading to wear and tear which results in painful and deformed joint. 60 % of people who have arthritis are females, and several of the more common forms are more prevalent in women. Apart from pain, stiffness in joints, redness around the joint, swelling and difficulty in performing the day to day activities are the most common symptoms.

WHY WOMEN ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE THAN MEN : For reasons unknown, women are most likely to get arthritis. The most common type is Osteoarthritis which is really wear and tear and essentially not a disease, mostly affecting women over 40 years. Rheumatoid Arthritis: 70 % of people with this type of arthritis are women, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is inflammation of the synovium (lining) of the joints and can result in painful damage to the joints, affecting in the age group of 30 onwards.

TREATMENT: Early diagnosis of arthritis sets the stage for a proper treatment plan.The treatment plan may include a comprehensive diet and exercise program with best medications to lessen pain, increase movement and reduce fatigue. Role of physiotherapist is to work out correct exercise regime. Occupational therapist can help with activities of daily living. Surgery is sometimes required to reconstruct or replace a joint. Reconstruction of the joint can often be done by key hole surgery (arthroscopy). Joint replacement is a valuable tool in improving quality of life.

TREATMENT: Stretching and strengthening quadriceps and hip muscles can be helpful. Runners should run on softer surfaces, and use correct running shoes. Rest, Ice packing, splintage, patellar taping are useful. Surgical treatment is sometimes sought and it can be helped with arthroscopy.

Chondromalacia or Patella or Runners Knee:

This is characterized by pain is infront of the knee, especially while running, walking or ascending/descending stairs. This condition is caused by softening of patellar cartilage as well as mechanical alignment abnormality of patella.

WHY WOMEN: A woman’s pelvis is, on average, developmentally broader than a man’s pelvis to assist childbirth.As a result, women tend to be more “knock kneed” than men. Women may have hip weakness and excessive pronation, which may also contribute to biomechanical misalignment. These differences can put additional pressure on the patella, or kneecap, which can cause pain as the kneecap tracks up and down in its natural groove (patellofemoral groove).

WHY WOMEN: A woman’s pelvis is, on average, developmentally broader than a man’s pelvis to assist childbirth.As a result, women tend to be more “knock kneed” than men. Women may have hip weakness and excessive pronation, which may also contribute to biomechanical misalignment. These differences can put additional pressure on the patella, or kneecap, which can cause pain as the kneecap tracks up and down in its natural groove (patellofemoral groove).

Ankle Sprains: Certain types of footwear ladies favour tend to risk ankle and foot injuries.

WHY WOMEN: The higher the heel of a shoe, the more likely the ankle is to be unstable. In addition, women have a narrower heel in relation to the forefoot, and narrower feet overall. Also hormonal changes around menopause predispose relaxation of ligaments in feet.

TREATMENT: A program of strengthening and balance exercises may aid in recovery. Wearing an ankle support can reduce swelling and support the ankle ligaments.

Fibromyalgia: A condition with muscular pain through the body, specific tender points and fatigue. Often symptoms are vague. They tend to respond to certain medications lyke pregabalin and physiotherapy.

Osteoporosis: Losing calcium from the bones results in osteoporosis. Consequently the bones become weak and much more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is best prevented rather than treated. Ladies need to act early in their life for this. There is a similar disorder called osteomalacia which is related to Vitamin.

WHY WOMEN : Menopause in late 40s or early 50s reduces the oestrogen in the body which is essential to keep the calcium in the bones. As a result after menopause there is accelerated weakening of bones.

TREATMENT : Preventive treatment includes weight bearing exercise like walking, jogging. Healthy lifestyle is important. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are necessary for most ladies over 40. Once osteoporosis is established it can be treated with several medications but the bone strength may never return to normal. Fractures are managed best by orthopaedic surgeons once they happen.

To Know about Bone and Joint Treatements and to schedule an Consultation with Wockhardt Hospitals,Bone and Joint care,Write into enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net

courtesy

Dr. Sachin Bhonsle
Consultant Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon
Wockhardt Bone and Joint Hospital, Mumbai, India
Qualification
MS (Orthopaedics) , FRCS (Glasgow, UK)