- Home
- Patient Corner
Overview
Osteoporosis means porous bones. Osteoporosis develops when the body loses bone more quickly than it can make it. As a result, bones become less dense at the core and lose thickness at the surface. This increases the susceptibility to fracture.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis generally remains asymptomatic until the occurrence of bone fracture thus, is referred to as a silent disease. During the progression of osteoporosis, some signs can be observed like bone pain or tenderness, fractures with little or no trauma, loss of height over time, neck or lower back pain due to fractures, and stooped posture.
Causes
There are certain fixed risk factors like:
Advanced age
Family history of osteoporosis
Previous fracture
Gender - Females are more prone to osteoporosis compared to men.
Menopause/hysterectomy
Long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
Some modifiable risk factors that can cause osteoporosis are –
Alcohol intake
Smoking
Low body mass index
Poor nutrition
Vitamin D deficiency
Eating disorders
Insufficient exercise
Low dietary calcium intake
Frequent falls.
Diagnosis
A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of the bone. This test helps detect osteoporosis and predict one’s risk for bone fractures. DXA is a low-radiation X-ray capable of detecting quite small percentages of bone loss. Other methods are radiological assessments and Bone Turnover Markers (BTM).
Prevention
Have calcium-rich food, ensure a nutritious diet enriched with fruits and green vegetables, and avoid undernutrition, especially severe weight-loss diets and eating disorders. Maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D.
Participate in regular weight-bearing activity.
Avoid smoking.
Limit soft drinks and alcohol consumption.
Treatment
Calcitonin, Estrogen, Raloxifene, and Bisphosphonatesa like Alendronate, Zoledronic Acid, Risedronate, and Ibandronate.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Analog - Teriparatide, RANK ligand inhibitor - Denosumab. Lifestyle changes are required to avoid falls.
One should stay on the treatment and follow nutrition and exercise recommendations.
Everyday Life
Many people live a healthy life with the treatment recommended by a healthcare professional. Osteoporosis that is not treated can lead to an increase in the fracture risk and serious bone breaks (fractures), especially in the hip and spine.
