Why were many of peasants bone-joints damaged from medieval times?

There are a couple of reasons why peasants in the Middle Ages were commonly affected by bone and joint damage.

1. Poor Diet:

- Peasants typically consumed a diet deficient in calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients essential for bone health.

- Without adequate nutrition, their bodies often struggled to develop and maintain strong, healthy bones.

2. Heavy Physical Labor:

- The vast majority of peasants engaged in backbreaking manual labor, including farming, construction, and other arduous tasks.

- Continuously performing repetitive motions and lifting heavy loads put immense strain on their joints, leading to chronic joint pain and eventual damage.

3. Lack of Medical Care:

- In medieval times, access to proper healthcare and medical treatment was limited, especially for the lower classes.

- Minor injuries or joint issues that could've been treated effectively in the early stages were often left untreated, leading to severe and long-term problems.

4. Infections:

- Infectious diseases were rampant during medieval times, and many of these infections could affect the bones and joints.

- For example, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis were common illnesses that could cause bone damage and deformities.

5. Traumatic Injuries:

- Accidents, falls, or injuries sustained during battles, tournaments, or hunting were also prevalent among the peasant population.

- Without advanced medical care, such injuries could result in bone fractures, joint dislocations, and other severe orthopedic problems.

The combination of poor nutrition, heavy physical labor, limited medical care, infectious diseases, and frequent traumatic injuries contributed to the high incidence of bone and joint damage among peasants during the Middle Ages.