Women, especially as seen in India, often put their families’ needs before their own, sidelining their health — especially bone and joint care. With ageing, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors playing a crucial role in musculoskeletal health, conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint stiffness become common yet frequently ignored issues. However, advances in regenerative orthopaedics now offer solutions beyond just surgical intervention.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Saharmila Tulpule, an orthopaedic specialist at Orthobiologix, discusses how women can take charge of their bone health through non-invasive regenerative treatments. She explains why strengthening bones, improving joint mobility, and ensuring proper nutrition should be priorities for every woman, no matter what her age may be at any given time or phase in life.
In this insightful discussion, Dr Sharmila Tulpule sheds light on how women can proactively maintain bone health, prevent common orthopaedic issues, and embrace a lifestyle that ensures strength and mobility well into their later years.
Q: Despite India being a tropical country with abundant sunshine, we hear of women here suffering from Vitamin D deficiency, low calcium count, and debilitating osteoporosis in advancing age. How is that explained?
Dr Sharmila Tulpule: Even in India’s warm climate, Vitamin D deficiency, low calcium status, and osteoporosis are common in most women. This can be attributed to the reasons of restricted sunlight exposure, indoor sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate diet, and social or cultural practices. Moreover, menopause-related changes, decreased absorption of calcium with advancing age, and unfamiliarity about the conditions affecting bones play a major role in developing crippling disorders in the later years.
Q: Women now work on computer and digital devices apart from traditional jobs that they held. Has that increased their chances of injury to bones, joints, muscles etc?
The extensive application of computer and electronic devices has been responsible for a rise in musculoskeletal symptoms in women. Sitting for long periods, incorrect posture, and repetitive strain due to typing or screen use can cause joint, muscle, and skeletal problems like upper back pain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even early-onset osteoarthritis. Prevention involves taking frequent breaks, having proper ergonomic arrangements, and adding strengthening exercises to prevent such injuries.
Q: As a woman orthopaedic surgeon, do you see women find it easier to approach you with issues pertaining to their musculo-skeletal system?
I have found that female patients are more at ease talking to me about musculoskeletal issues, particularly sensitive ones such as osteoporosis, joint pain, or postpartum musculoskeletal conditions. They value the compassion and empathy I offer in dealing with their special challenges. A relaxed environment promotes open discussion, which is important in ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.
Q: What is the cost of osteoporosis and neglect of bone health to women?
The consequences of osteoporosis and a lack of concern for women‘s bone health are immense, both in terms of physical damage and economic burden. Physically, osteoporosis can result in fractures, ongoing pain, immobility, and reduced quality of life. Economically, it contributes to costly treatments, long-term care, and rehabilitation expenses. Untreated problems with bone health can also result in disability, which impacts the independence and well-being of a woman.
Q: How does osteoporosis specifically affect women compared to men? Are there any orthopaedic problems particular to women’s bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues?
Osteoporosis will affect women more than men because of conditions like hormonal changes following menopause, which cause faster bone loss. Women have generally thinner, smaller bones and are therefore more likely to break bones. Pregnancy and childbirth can also affect musculoskeletal health. Women are also more susceptible to joint disorders, including osteoarthritis, particularly in the hands and knees, because of hormonal changes and the increased weight-bearing stress during pregnancy.
Q: Instead of acting after loss of bone mass, at what age do you recommend women proactively see an orthopaedic specialist and start caring for their bones?
I would recommend that women begin focusing on bone health from the age of early 30s since the mass of the bones starts settling by this age. It is imperative to ensure bone health remains robust in the long run. Routinely consulting an orthopedic specialist, proper diet, constant exercise, and a good way of living are sure shots that will save women from losing bone mass and future osteoporosis.
Q: How do hormonal changes during menopause contribute to joint pain and bone health in women?
Hormonal changes taking place during menopause, i.e., estrogen deficiency, are largely responsible for their effect on the bones and joints. Estrogen is of fundamental importance for keeping bones intact, and with its loss, there is bone loss, ending up in osteoporosis. Loss of estrogen also influences cartilage health and, hence, results in aching and stiff joints, possibly causing osteoarthritis. The changes are responsible for bringing fractures and pain in the joints closer to the woman.
Q: What lifestyle habits and practices can help women maintain strong bones and joints at various stages of life?
For healthy bones and joints, women need to develop healthy habits at all ages of life. Some of the important practices are:
- Balanced Diet: Take adequate calcium, Vitamin D, and protein intake for bone health.
- Weight-Bearing Exercise: Walking, running, and strength training exercises develop and maintain bone density.
- Stretching and Mobility: Stretching exercises regularly increase joint flexibility and decrease stiffness.
- Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Smoking: Both compromise bone strength, leading to fractures.
- Sunlight: Moderate sun exposure stimulates natural Vitamin D production, which maintains healthy bones.
Q: What role does diet play in osteoporosis prevention, and are there specific nutrients that women should prioritize for optimal bone health?
Adequate diet is key to the prevention of osteoporosis, with calcium and Vitamin D being the most crucial nutrients for bone. Calcium, which can be obtained from dairy, leafy vegetables, and fortified food, supports bone density. Vitamin D, which is received from sunlight, fatty fish, and fortified cereals, is vital for effective absorption of calcium. Protein and magnesium are also responsible for bone structure, while Vitamin K is involved in bone mineralisation. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet, coupled with weight-bearing activity, is essential for keeping bones strong and healthy.
Q: What non-surgical treatments are available for managing joint pain, especially for women who are hesitant about surgery?
For women reluctant to undergo surgery, regenerative medicine presents potential non-surgical solutions for joint pain. Main choices are:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP involves using the patient‘s own blood platelets to enhance healing and tissue growth in affected joints.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells are employed to stimulate the repair of injured cartilage, alleviate inflammation, and aid in the recovery of joint function with the relief of pain.
- Prolotherapy: A solution is injected into the joint to stimulate the healing process and tighten tendons and ligaments.
These regenerative therapies target the repair and regeneration of injured tissues, the alleviation of pain, and enhanced mobility without surgery.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index ( BMI )
