As we get older, many of us start to notice small changes in how our bodies feel. For example, a sore muscle could take days, or even weeks, to fully calm down. When this happens, you may want to know what is going on. Is this just a normal part of getting older or is your body trying to tell you something more?
219 Health Network internists explain when slower recovery is a normal part of aging, and when it may be a sign that your health needs a closer look.
How does your body change as you age?
As we age, our bodies change over the years and sometimes the changes are so subtle that we barely notice at first.
One of the biggest changes is how the body repairs itself. When we are younger, the body tends to heal quickly. As we age, that repair process slows down. Cells take longer to renew, and tissues need extra time to recover after illness or injury.
You may notice it takes longer to feel fully better after a cold or the flu. You also may find that your energy takes more time to return after a busy week or an emotional event. These experiences can feel frustrating. But for many people, they are a normal part of aging.
Why does your body take longer to heal now?
Healing takes teamwork within the body because many systems must work together for you to feel better. As we get older, those systems are still doing their jobs, but they tend to move more slowly than they once did.
Your body replaces damaged cells every single day. When you are younger, this process is smooth. With age, cell renewal still happens but it becomes less efficient. As a result, healing can take more time than before.
The immune system also influences recovery. It fights off infections and supports healing after illness or injury. As the years pass, the immune response may not react as fast or as strongly. Because of this, colds and infections can take longer to clear.
Muscles and connective tissues also change over time. After a strain or injury, these tissues may need extra days or weeks to fully repair themselves. Even normal activities can leave the body sore for longer than expected.
When all these changes come together, recovery can feel slower overall. This can happen even when a person is otherwise healthy and doing many things right.
While slower healing can be a normal part of getting older, it is not always something to ignore. There are times when slow recovery can be a sign that your body needs extra attention. An experienced internist can help you recognize the difference.
Could a health problem be slowing your recovery?
Some health conditions can slow the body’s healing. These conditions are not always obvious at first, which can make them easy to miss or mistake for normal aging.
For example, inflammation tends to increase with age. While inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system, too much of it can get in the way of proper tissue repair. This can leave the body feeling slow to recover.
Changes in nutrition or metabolism can also be influential. Even small changes can affect energy levels and how quickly the body repairs itself.
How does an internist help you understand your healing?
Understanding your recovery usually starts with a conversation with an experienced internist. Your doctor will discuss your health history and may ask about recent illnesses, injuries or changes you have noticed.
Instead of focusing on one bad day, your internist looks for patterns over time. Sometimes, simply watching and tracking changes is enough to understand what is going on. In other cases, basic tests can rule out hidden health problems.
Looking for an affordable internist in Northwest Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internist who can help you understand changes in your recovery? If so, 219 Health Network’s team of board-certified internists is here for you. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your first appointment.