You probably don’t give much thought to your bones on a daily basis, but they are certainly working hard for you every day! They not only provide the literal structure to our bodies, but they have the important jobs of protecting your organs and supporting your movement through your muscle function.

We owe our lives to our bones. That is why it is so important to take care of them, especially as you age. Over time, you can become susceptible to bone density issues and fractures.

Our AFC Urgent Care Farragut team explains how to support your bones throughout your life, so check out our blog below.

What Happens to Your Bones as You Get Older?

In childhood, your bones were growing at a rapid rate as you grew into adulthood. They were changing, lengthening and growing stronger every day! Now that you are an adult, your bones still remodel and can change in density. Once you reach your 30s, you have actually reached your peak bone mass density.

As you get older, you start to experience a loss in bone mass. They can start to lose calcium and other minerals that make them dense and strong, and that can lead to a variety of issues, including developing osteoporosis. When you have osteoporosis, the holes and spaces that make up the structure of your bone actually become bigger. This makes you much more susceptible to breaks and fractures.

Improving Your Bone Health

• Increase your physical activity.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Consume more foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.
• Avoid smoking.

What Does Exercise Have to Do With Your Bones?

Great question! Even though it may seem counterproductive, putting gentle pressure on your bones is actually a good thing. When you head out for your daily walk or take a jog around your favorite park, that motion signals your bones to start remodeling and building up bone mass. Over time, your bone mass can actually increase with regular exercise.

While that all sounds great, be careful to not overdo it. While having a regular exercise routine is crucial to your long-term bone health, too much exercise or always choosing high-intensity workouts can cause overuse injuries like stress fractures. Keep it in moderation, increase your calcium intake and listen to your body.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

• Women
• Individuals of Caucasian and Asian descent
• People who take certain medications for chronic conditions
• Anyone 50 years of age or older

Are you concerned about a possible broken bone or stress fracture? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Farragut today.