Whether we’re playing basketball or lounging on the couch, our muscles and bones are interacting with one another. Their movements are interrelated, and oftentimes an injury to one can affect the other. This connected relationship is often referred to as muscle-bone crosstalk. We explore more about the bone and muscle crosstalk relationship in today’s blog.
Muscles and Bones
Muscles and bones release hormones that allow each system to communicate with each other, as well as with the brain and potentially other systems in our bodies. Because they share close cellular origins and genetic relationships, their growth and roles in development are often tied to one another. As we begin to grow, our muscles and bones develop, strengthen and grow larger, and as we get older, these systems begin to become more prone to muscle/bone loss and injury. They have a closely connected relationship.
For example, let’s consider a patient with a bone fracture. In the vast majority of cases, the individual will also have acute muscle damage in the area of the fracture, meaning both the muscle and bone need time to heal. Research has shown that in these cases, better muscle function improvement has been associated with a higher likelihood of improved bone healing. If the muscle experiences better healing, muscle contractions can stimulate bone activity. This reaction isn’t just physical, it also occurs on a biochemical level.
Muscles also help us prevent against injuries, like an injury we might see in a fall. If muscle mass and strength is lessened, the muscle-hormone connection between the bones may be weaker, leaving someone susceptible to injury. So what can you do to keep your muscles and bones healthy, strong and in harmony with one another?
Improving Muscle Mass and Bone Density
There are a number of simple ways to improve your muscle mass, bone density and the relationship between the two. Some of those ways include:
- Getting Regular Moderate-Intensity Exercise
- Eating a Healthy Diet
- Avoiding Smoking
- Avoiding Certain Prescription Medications
- Getting Plenty of Vitamin D and K
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight
If you want your muscles and bones to work in harmony with one another to help prevent against fractures and other injuries, be sure to consider the above lifestyle tips. For more information on the relationship between the body groups, or to talk to Dr. Silverman about a foot or ankle injury you’ve suffered, reach out to his office today.
