Healthy Bones, Joints & Muscles
Good nutrition - especially calcium and vitamin D - is very important to healthy bones and muscles, as is regular exercise and keeping weight under control. This lifestyle is especially important in childhood and teen years, when bone strength is developing most rapidly - and can help prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones), fractures, and painful osteoarthritis (degenerative joints) later in life.
Recently Answered
- Q How can drinking beer help my bones?
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For years, we have been hearing that wine is good for the heart. Now, new research suggests there may be a body benefit for beer lovers, too. Turns out beer has a secret. It's a good dietary source of silicon, a chemical that's important for bone... Full Answer
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- Q How can I improve my posture?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIf you stride across a room like a young Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, your good posture will keep the muscles in your abdomen, back, and pelvis (your "core") strong and flexible -- a big boost to staying injury-free when dancing like Travolta,... Full Answer
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- Q How can posture cause health problems?
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Although many people think good posture is simply standing up straight, it involves much more than the spine -- head, neck, shoulders and knees also play important roles. Correct posture is important when standing, sitting, moving and lifting. Poor... Full Answer
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- Q What are common posture problems?
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Almost everybody exhibits bad posture during some parts of the day. Among the most common problems are flexed or sloping shoulders, a rounded upper back and a chin that juts too high or forward. Many people tend to extend their necks like turtles... Full Answer
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- Q What is the medial collateral ligament (MCL)?
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The medial collateral ligament (MCL), one of four knee ligaments, connects the thighbone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia) along the inside of the knee joint. It stabilizes the knee joint and stops the knee from bending sideways. MCL injuries often... Full Answer
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- Q What is bursa?
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A bursa is a flat, fluid-filled sac found between a bone and a tendon or muscle. It forms a cushion to help the tendon or muscle slide smoothly over the bone. Bursitis is inflammation (swelling, pain, and warmth) of a bursa. Bursitis may be caused by... Full Answer
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- Q What is a meniscus?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineYour meniscus, which is a piece of cartilage in the middle of your knee, not only acts as a shock absorber, but also has several other important functions. It helps lubricate the joint by increasing the surface area of the cartilage. It adds... Full Answer
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- Q What is the transverse carpal ligament?
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The transverse carpal ligament is the flexible, slightly elastic cord that lies on top of the carpal tunnel at the wrist. This ligament connects the bones to each other where the wrist and palm meet. The transverse carpal ligament may be cut during... Full Answer
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- Q How can I improve my child's bone health?
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Childhood is the best time to build strong bones that will last a lifetime. Give your child low-or non-fat milk, and provide a balanced diet rich in high-calcium foods. Encourage your child to be physically active doing weight-bearing exercise-such as... Full Answer
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- Q What can cause cartilage damage?
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Damage to the cartilage can be the result of a previous injury. It can also be the result of degeneration from age or degeneration from placing more demands on the joint than it can bear. Full Answer
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