Men and women are equally susceptible to orthopedic problems. However, women have more regular issues with three common conditions.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries — These common knee injuries are often seen in people who participate in sports that involve pivoting, like soccer or basketball. It’s not entirely understood why female athletes have a high incidence of ACL injuries, although some speculate it’s the differences in bone anatomy, muscle strength and neuromuscular control, which leads to problematic pelvic and lower leg alignment. Women also tend to have less muscle mass around their knees, which can lead to tearing when that ligament is overstretched. 

Ankle injuries are also commonly seen in women, most likely due to decreased muscle strength and joint hypermobility. High-heeled shoes can also be a contributing factor. Prevention tips: Start a new activity gradually and be sure to warm up prior to starting any sports activity. Wear the right shoes — for your foot type and the activity. And avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces.

Osteoporosis

While osteoporosis does occur in men, the diagnosis is much more common in women. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. This can be caused by hormonal changes, or a deficiency in calcium or vitamin C. And estrogen, which decreases when women reach menopause, is one of the hormones that protects bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

• Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about 80% are women.
• Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
• A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

It’s important to note, however, that osteoporosis is not inevitable. To protect your bones for the long haul:

• Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of calcium and vitamin D
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Don’t drink or smoke
• Talk to your doctor about what other specific things you can do, which might include medication

At Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics our staff, our doctors and our state of the art technology are all here at the office to help diagnose and treat not only these three common issues, but many more. If you are in pain, regardless of the cause, contact us today and let us get you back to a pain free lifestyle!

423-499-0003