Effects of Smoking on Bones and Joints

Cigarette smokers are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Recent studies found that tobacco use decreases bone density. However, it is very difficult to confirm that cigarette smoking alone is the cause of bone complications.

In addition to decrease in bone density, many studies suggest that smoking also increases the risk of bone and joint fracture. Not all studies supported this, but the evidences are strengthening.

Here are some important and interesting facts about effects of smoking on your bones and joints.

• The longer one smokes and the more cigarettes consumed, the greater is the risk of bone fracture in old age.
• It takes more time for the fracture to heal in case of smokers than nonsmokers. One may also experience several complications during the healing process.
• In older men and women who smoke, there is a significant bone loss.
• One study found that exposure to second-hand smoke during childhood and young age increases the risk of suffering from low bone mass later.
• Women who smoke are at risk of early menopause, and due to this may also face increased bone loss.
• Quitting smoking is found to reduce the risk of low bone mass and bone fractures.
• Smoking can delay the formation of new bones.
• Women who smoke are at high risk of osteoporosis.
• In case of postmenopausal women smoking increases the risk of hip fracture.
• Smoking also increases the risk of developing degenerative disorders.
• For smokers have recovering from surgeries, especially knee or hip replacements, is very difficult.
• According to a study smoking nearly doubled the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in postmenopausal women. The surprising fact is the women who participated in this study are not at all under the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, genetically.