The coronavirus pandemic has quickly spread in India resulting in coronavirus lockdown. Its fast transmission rate has to lead to more Covid-19 cases, making it difficult to stop the infection; hence how it turned out to be a pandemic.
Due to the coronavirus lockdown all offices, schools, colleges, institutions were close down. People started experiencing bones and joints related problems because of the absence of physical exercises. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a sedentary lifestyle and decreased exposure to sunlight (vitamin D). People were confined to their houses and missed their usual jogging and workouts. Thus, lack of physical fitness had a severe impact on bone health, especially in osteoporosis patients. An active lifestyle is necessary for maintaining bone mass and good health.
Bone related problems like osteoporosis are caused by vitamin D deficiency. Many people who were sustaining a healthy weight, suddenly gained weight during lockdown due to limited exercise and an unbalanced diet. This sudden weight gain causes joint ache and makes them more prone to atrophy.
Covid-19 is characterized by many symptoms such as respiratory problems (breathlessness, cough, fever) and other symptoms like loss of taste and smell, but some Covid-19 patients have complained of joint and muscle pain. Muscle soreness and joint pain are commonly observed among Covid-19 patients. But for some individuals, symptoms are more serious, long-running and even uncommon, like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune myositis or “COVID toes.” Bone and muscle degeneration can be related to serious coronavirus infection.
We can follow some health measures to keep our bones healthy, such as-
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Well balanced diet
- Yoga
- Weight-bearing exercises
- Decrease intake of caffeine
- Decrease intake of alcohol
- Avoid smoking