Why bones are breaking more easily after Covid
Bengaluru: Bones are taking the fall. Doctors say fractures ..
Bengaluru: Bones are taking the fall. Doctors say fractures from minor injuries are on the rise, linked to Vitamin D deficiency and post-Covid lifestyles that keep people indoors and out of the sun. Orthopaedic specialists say they are increasingly treating patients - including children, adolescents and young adults who suffer fractures from low-impact injuries that would earlier have caused little harm. Reduced outdoor activity since the pandemic has led to lower Vitamin D levels, which have weakened bone density, they said.
"Fractures usually need significant trauma, but we started seeing patients coming in with smaller injuries resulting in fractures," said Dr Kumardev Arvind Rajamanya, director & lead consultant-orthopaedic surgery, KIMS Hospitals. "A simple Vitamin D blood test revealed a common link deficiency." Doctors say even stress fractures caused by repetitive strain are now more frequent. "Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation. Low levels reduce bone quality, making fractures more likely, especially in weight-bearing areas like the legs and feet," said Dr Deepak Sampath, senior consultant and HOD, orthopaedics, Hosmat Hospitals.
Dr Sampath said he now sees 80-100 fracture cases a month, most from low-impact injuries. "In children, elbow and forearm fractures are common. Among adults, distal tibia and fibula fractures are frequently seen." Lifestyle habits are compounding the problem, doctors said. "People move carelessly distracted, hurried and a small misstep can cause a fall. When weaker bones are subjected to twisting or rotational force, fractures occur easily," said Dr Anand Chavan, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Fortis Hospital. He warned that supplements alone are not enough. "Vitamin D, calcium and protein need sunlight exposure and mechanical loading through exercise. Walking and weight-bearing activity signal the body to maintain bone strength. Without movement, bone density drops, even with supplements," he said.
