Introduction
Osteoporosis occurs when bones become too fragile and too long to be formed. This loss of bone density puts the patient at constant risk of bone fractures. Often, osteoporosis is not diagnosed until it causes a bone to break. All of the bones are affected by this, but predominantly, it is the bones of the hip, wrists, and spine.
Osteoporosis is common in those above the age of 50, especially women. Experts estimate that almost half the women over the age of 50 have this condition. 1 in 4 males above the age of 50 have osteoporosis. It has been found that 1 in 3 people above the age of 50, who don’t have osteoporosis have osteopenia. This is reduced bone density and it is an early sign of osteoporosis. If left untreated, it can become osteoporosis.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is also known as a “silent disease” because it often develops without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.
- Frequent bone fractures, even with little damage, particularly in the spine, wrist, or hip.
- Chronic back discomfort, frequently brought on by collapsed or shattered vertebrae.
- Progressive decline in height over time.
- Kyphosis, or a stooped or hunched posture.
- Weakness or trouble walking and standing.
- A bone fracture could be the cause of sudden, intense pain.
Causes
When bone density declines, osteoporosis occurs, causing bones to become brittle and feeble
- After the age of fifty, the rate of natural bone loss increases.
- Men’s lower testosterone levels and women’s decreased estrogen levels following menopause might weaken bones.
- Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D because they are critical for healthy bones.
- Lack of exercise might cause your bones to deteriorate.
- Certain anti-seizure medications and long-term corticosteroid use might cause bone loss.
- Bone health can be impacted by illnesses like celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Osteoporosis management and fracture prevention depend on prompt diagnosis and efficient therapy.
- The gold standard for assessing fracture risk and quantifying bone mineral density is a DEXA scan. Hormone, vitamin D, and calcium levels can also be checked with blood testing.
- To strengthen bones and halt bone loss, treatments may involve hormone therapy, bisphosphonates, or bone-building drugs. To promote bone health, calcium and vitamin D supplements are frequently advised.
- Strength training and weight-bearing activities like walking can help increase bone density. Overall bone health also depends on limiting alcohol use, stopping smoking, changing one’s diet, and putting fall prevention techniques into practice.
Risk Factors
Osteoporosis risk can be increased by a number of circumstances.
- Women are more vulnerable since they have less bone mass and estrogen, especially after menopause.
- After the age of 50, risk dramatically rises.
- Your risk is increased if you have an osteoporosis-afflicted parent or sibling.
- Because they have less bone mass, smaller, thinner people are often at higher risk.
- Weakened bones can result from a lifetime of inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
- Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to bone loss.
- Bone density may be impacted by conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and chronic liver or kidney illness.