How alcohol affects bones, joints and muscles

Alcohol can contribute to osteoporosis by interfering with calcium and bone metabolism. Acute
alcohol consumption (binge drinking) reduces levels of parathyroid hormone, leading to calcium loss
through increased urinary excretion, while long-term heavy drinking can disturb vitamin D
metabolism, resulting in inadequate absorption of dietary calcium. In addition, alcohol is directly toxic
to bone-forming cells.
The incidence of gout, a painful inflammatory condition caused by uric acid crystals being deposited
in the joints, has been increasing in the developed world for the past 30 years. It has long been
suspected that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing gout and a recent study confirms
this link. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that, compared with people who
drank no alcohol, those having just 10 to 15 grams of alcohol a day increased their risk of gout by 30
per cent and this risk rose to 150 per cent in those consuming over 50 grams per day.
Heavy drinkers may also develop a muscle wasting disease, usually in the legs and shoulders,
called chronic alcoholic myopathy. Exactly how alcohol causes this condition is not certain, but it has
been suggested that acetic acid, a breakdown product of alcohol, may interfere with energy release
from glucose in the muscles, leading to protein in the muscle tissues being used as an alternative
energy source

Musculoskeletal System
A loss of calcium has been found in alcohol users which can lead to osteoporosis
(thinning of bones) which can cause bones to become brittle. Persons suffering from
osteoporosis are at increased risk of bone fractures because of decreased strength
which can lead to accidental falls.
Joint inflammation that occurs in arthritis is increased with the use of alcohol, which can
be very painful. This inflammation can also cause the drinker to be more prone to falls
or injuries.