Spotlight on Men's Orthopedic Health
Posted on Jun 1, 2023 8:18am PDT
While most of the tips I’ve provided over the years on ways to boost
orthopedic health have been interchangeable for men and women, some interesting
bone anatomy differences exist between men and women. These differences
can give rise to variations in the experience of orthopedic injuries and
conditions for both genders. In most populations worldwide, men have larger
and stronger bone and joint surfaces than women, and more bone is present
in men at muscle attachment sites. Conversely, women tend to have larger
and stronger hip and pelvic bones because of their distinct ability to
carry and give birth to children.
Osteoporosis is characterized by the thinning of bones, rendering them
more brittle and porous and more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis is common
among men but can be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because it more frequently
affects women. While women are more likely to experience osteopenia and
osteoporosis than men, the National Osteoporosis Foundation states that
nearly ¼ of American men will break a bone due to osteoporosis
at some point in their lifetime, and each year, more than 80,000 men break
a hip. After age 50, more women than men will suffer bone fractures. But
before 50, men have a higher fracture rate due to their participation
in more contact sports activities and typically riskier lifestyle behaviors
than women.
Six of the most common orthopedic injuries in men include:
- Hand, wrist, and arm fractures
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Bicep tears
- Meniscus tears
- Osteoporosis
Of course, as the saying goes – “An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.” So, no matter which gender is more at risk,
there is plenty men can do to lower their chances of orthopedic disease
and injury. Some simple lifestyle factors men can focus on include:
- Getting regular checkups with their doctor
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing appropriate and supportive shoes for the activity being engaged in
- Avoiding activities that put too much or unnecessary stress on the joints.
For various reasons, men are often reluctant to see a doctor when something
hurts. Whether they attempt to “tough it out” or ignore it
– neither choice is ever the best idea. If you are experiencing
orthopedic pain that has not subsided within a few weeks after an offending
injury, or you can’t remember an offending injury – it is
time to see a doctor. Getting to the bottom of orthopedic problems before
they become catastrophic is essential. Sometimes, the toughest thing a
guy can do is take charge of his health and set an example for the other
men in his life to do the same.
Sources:
https://www.greatbasinortho.com/articles/six-common-orthopaedic-injuries-men
https://www.siliconvalleyortho.com/blog/top-5-orthopaedic-injuries-for-men
https://www.txortho.com/most-common-mens-orthopedic-issues/
https://www.infirmaryhealth.org/news-education/2022/june/mens-health-week-4-most-common-orthopedic-injuri/
https://okanaganhealthsurgical.ca/blog/Men039s+Health+Month+The+Most+Common+Orthopedic+Injuries+In+Men/210