A-Z Health Topics Index

Bones and Joints

Arthritis Advice
The word "arthritis" makes many people think of painful, stiff joints. But, there are many kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic. That means they can go on for a long period of time.
Falls and Fractures
A simple thing can change your life—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.
Foot Care
When Lenny fell in love, he said he was "swept off his feet." When Abdul wasn't sure about retiring, his wife said he had "cold feet." Lilliana was so sensible; her kids always said she had "both feet on the ground." Everyone agrees it's important to put "your best foot forward."
Osteoporosis: The Bone Thief
Helen grew up on a farm in the Midwest. She drank lots of milk as a child. She also walked a lot. After graduating from high school, she got married and found a job. Family and work, she said, kept her too busy to exercise. Helen went through menopause at age 47. At 76, she was enjoying retirement—traveling and working in her garden. But then she slipped on a small rug in her kitchen and broke her hip. After Helen recovered, she needed a cane to walk, and gardening was a lot harder to enjoy.