Treating Osteoporosis Through Pickleball
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes the bones to become increasingly porous, losing both density and quality. The condition typically develops in older adults over fifty years old, and the disorder is more common in women than in men. Osteoporosis can be detected with bone density scans, which many health care professionals recommend. Scans are particularly important for osteoporosis, as it generally has no warning symptoms, and patients who have not been scanned often discover they have the condition only after they fracture a bone. When early symptoms are present, they usually include back pain, and patients may notice they begin to have a stooped or hunched posture or a reduction in height. The wrists, hips, and spine are the most common locations for fractures associated with osteoporosis. To prevent the condition, doctors recommend the use of medications to strengthen the bones, and exercise is also advised as another component of maintaining strong bones.
The sport of pickleball is a low-impact aerobic activity similar to tennis, and it is appropriate for all ages and skill levels. When practiced as part of a regular exercise routine, pickleball can help with the treatment of many conditions, including osteoporosis in the ways outlined below.