No walks or exercise, bone-chilling cold takes a toll on ortho patients

Noida: With the mercury plummeting and dense fog enveloping the region, morning walks are off the to-do list for now, so are exercises in the open.But this has taken a toll on the health of people, especially senior citizens with problems in the joints. Hospitals in Noida and Ghaziabad said they had seen a considerable rise in orthopaedic patients.Doctors told TOI that chilly winds, especially in the past one week, had aggravated joint pains among the elderly. “During winters, people usually feel a pain in the lower back and neck. Plus, there are cases of muscle spasm as well. When the mercury drops, fluctuation in the lactic acid levels lead to sprain in the muscle. Those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are among the worst-hit. So, people should do some exercise every day. There is no other way. If you can’t go out, engage in some movements at home,” said Dr Akhilesh Yadav, a senior knee and hip replacement surgeon in Vaishali.With the sun playing hide and seek, the daily dose of Vitamin D is also compromised. “Whenever there is sunlight, exposure to it for only half an hour should do. I also advise people not to sit in one position for long,” Dr Yadav added.Doctors also said since blood was affected during winters, it led to muscle spasms and joint pains.Doctors at MMG Hospital in Ghaziabad said people with arthritis and bone-related problems must always maintain a healthy diet, complete with the necessary vitamins. This is a cause for concern during winters because people cut down on their water intake and exercises in the cold weather.Dr Ravindra Rana, an orthopaedic surgeon attached to the hospital, said, “Keeping yourself protected from the harsh winter is essential, be it with warm clothing or heaters. If someone has severe pain, a kneecap is more relevant for such patients. Exercises with low impact, such as aerobics, yoga and general stretching, can ease stiffness and improve blood flow in the joints. A balanced diet that includes protein, increased fibre and low saturated fat can help the body function better in the winter. Vitamin D supplements should be used under doctors’ supervision.”
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