Bones and joints Archive

Several conditions can cause people to feel cold when others are comfortable. These include low body weight, an underactive thyroid, low red blood cell count (anemia), and Raynaud's phenomenon.

High-intensity interval training alternates short bursts of hard effort with recovery, boosting aerobic fitness, heart health, and muscle in less time. For older adults, adjusting intensity to current fitness levels helps keep HIIT safe and effective.

Muscle loss is common after middle age. To counter muscle loss, it's essential to strength train regularly and consume lots of protein. Whole foods are the best sources of protein, but protein supplements might also be used.

A foam roller is a cylinder made of foam. When the tool is used properly, it can help reduce tension in muscles and other soft tissue. Foam rolling also helps increase flexibility, especially when used as a warm-up before exercise.

Chronic low back pain affects as many as one-third of adults ages 65 and older and can be difficult to treat. A 2025 study found that adding 12 weeks of acupuncture to usual care resulted in greater pain relief and better function that lasted as long as a year after the treatments.

Obesity is thought to increase the risk of complications for people undergoing certain joint replacement surgeries. A 2025 study found that compared with people of a healthy weight, people with severe obesity (BMI of at least 40) were at no greater risk for serious complications following shoulder replacement surgery.

If total knee replacement is needed for both knees and symptoms in both are equally severe, bilateral knee replacement can be done, either in one surgery or in stages. Replacing both knees at once may be a good option for people under 75 with no major medical conditions and support at home.

Leg strength becomes even more vital as people age, as the legs are essential for routine movements such as going up and down stairs, sitting and rising from chairs, bending over and standing up, and protecting against falls. The main leg muscles are gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Some exercises that can help strengthen these muscles are bridges, step-ups, and heel raises.