Bone health is essential for leading an active, pain-free life. Whether you’re young and building your skeletal strength or older and aiming to maintain it, understanding how to care for your bones is crucial. Unfortunately, many people only think about their bones when a problem arises—such as a fracture, chronic pain, or mobility issues. That’s where consulting an experienced orthopaedic doctor in Singapore becomes essential. These doctors diagnose, treat, and attempt to prevent musculoskeletal issues, such as bone problems, from occurring.
Why Bone Health Matters
Bones hold the body together, protect critical systems, store minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and make it possible to move around. It is normal for bone density to decrease with age, which makes conditions like osteoporosis and injuries more likely. But bad habits like smoking, not being active, not eating well, or having a medical condition can speed up this decline, even in younger people.
Ignoring the importance of bone health can result in:
Broken or weak bones
More susceptibility to bone fractures or falls
Pain and stiffness in the joints
Problems with posture
Less movement and a lower quality of life
Prompt action and expert guidance can drastically lessen potential dangers in the long run.
Tips for Keeping Your Bones Healthy
Making changes to your habits can help you avoid or lessen many bone diseases. As you age, it’s essential to maintain healthy and strong bones.
Get Enough Vitamin D and Calcium: Calcium is what bones are mostly made of, and vitamin D helps your body take it in. As an adult, you should aim to consume the recommended daily quantities of vitamin D, which is 600–800 international units, and calcium, which is 1,000–1,200 milligrams.
Some sources include dairy, tofu, leafy vegetables, almonds, and foods that have been fortified with calcium. Sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, and, if necessary, supplements are great sources of vitamin D.Stay physically active: Walking, jogging, resistance strength training, yoga, and other weight-bearing activities promote bone density and growth. Being active regularly also improves muscle strength, balance, and rhythm, which lowers the risk of falling.
Limit harmful habits: Over time, drinking and smoking too much can damage bones. Cutting back or stopping smoking has a significant effect on bone health.
Keep an eye on your weight: Bone health can be affected by being either too thin or too heavy. Too little weight makes you more likely to get osteoporosis, and too much weight puts stress on your bones and joints.
Prevent falls: Fractures occur most frequently when people fall, particularly among older individuals. Making your home fall-safe by removing clutter, using non-slip mats, and ensuring sufficient lighting can make a significant difference.
Regular check-ups: Monitoring can find bone loss early, especially after age 50 or if there are risk factors like a family history of disease or a history of broken bones.
When to See an Orthopaedic Doctor in Singapore
Most people associate orthopaedic care with sports injuries or surgery, but it goes far beyond that. An orthopaedic doctor in Singapore can help with:
Chronic bone or joint pain
Suspected or confirmed fractures
Spinal alignment issues
Joint stiffness or decreased range of motion
Osteoporosis or osteoarthritis
Tendon and ligament injuries
Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. Prompt action can avert the deterioration of the situation and mitigate long-term repercussions.
How to Choose the Best Singapore Orthopaedic Doctor
Due to the numerous doctors in Singapore who treat similar problems, it can be challenging to find a trustworthy orthopaedic doctor in Singapore.
Check their area of expertise
Orthopaedics is broad. Some doctors specialise in sports injuries, while others focus on the spine, joints, or children’s orthopaedics. Select an expert who has experience treating your condition.Look for experience and credentials
Ensure the doctor is licensed by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) and has sufficient experience in the area of specialisation.Review and reputation
Online reviews can reveal a great deal about a doctor’s communication style, friendliness, and professionalism. Recommendations from people you know are also invaluable.Location and ease of access
Select a centre that is conveniently located near your home or workplace for easy access. Follow-ups may need to happen regularly, so ease of access is essential.Ask questions during the consultation
Check how well the doctor explains your condition and the possible treatments. A good orthopaedic doctor in Singapore should listen, explain in simple words, and involve you in decision-making.
How to Get Ready for Your First Orthopaedic Office Visit
If you know what to expect and plan accordingly, your visit will go more smoothly and be more productive. Prepare yourself by doing the following:
Bring critical medical records
If you’ve visited another doctor before, bring any old X-rays, MRIs, bone density scans, or lab records. This prevents repeating tests unnecessarily.List your symptoms
Write down when the pain or discomfort began, how bad it is, what makes it worse, and what you’ve done to treat it. Note if the pain worsens with specific activities or at certain times.Know your medical and family history
Be ready to discuss past injuries and any family history of bone diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis.List all medications and supplements
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can affect bone health, and certain supplements may interact with them.Wear comfortable clothes
Loose clothing makes it easier for the doctor to examine your spine, limbs, or joints.
Common FAQs About Bone Health and Orthopaedic Care
Q: At what age should I start worrying about bone health?
Around the age of 30, bone mass reaches its maximum, after which it slowly declines. Starting in your 20s and 30s with a bone-friendly lifestyle gives you the best head start.
Q: Is osteoporosis reversible?
While it’s not reversible, progression can be slowed with medication, exercise, and diet. Early diagnosis makes a big difference.
Q: Can orthopaedic doctors in Singapore help with back pain?
Yes. Problems with the muscles, bones, or joints often cause back pain. Orthopaedic surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat spine issues.
Q: Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore?
Not necessarily. You can book directly with a specialist; however, for some health plans, a referral from a general practitioner may be required.
Q: Is surgery always necessary for bone issues?
Not at all. Many problems can be treated without surgery, such as through physical therapy, braces, medication, or lifestyle modifications.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t wait to take care of your bones until they start to hurt. Bone problems often go unnoticed until they become severe, which is why it’s crucial to take charge of your care through healthy habits and professional guidance. Working with a skilled orthopaedic doctor in Singapore helps protect your bones and joints, whether you’re addressing a current issue or trying to prevent one in the future.
You can strengthen your bones for the future by establishing healthy behaviours, such as consuming a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and attending all your doctor’s appointments. Get the help you need from an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore if you’re dealing with joint pain, healing from an accident or injury, or just want to stay active as you age.
No matter what age you are, staying independent and enjoying life will be much easier if you understand bone health, ask questions, and take care of it.
Cove Orthopaedic Clinic – Dr Sean Ng
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre
1 Farrer Park Station Road #11-10
Connexion, Singapore 217562
📞 Phone: 6475 7177
📱 WhatsApp: 9631 7637
