Lalita, age 58, had always considered herself active and healthy. She was a big fan of yoga as well as gardening, but once, while arranging pots, she suffered a minor fall and ended up with a broken wrist. It was a baffling incident: how could such a minor incident lead to such major consequences?
Research and talking with her doctor led Lalita to learn that, in fact, she was suffering from osteoporosis. Her bone health was deteriorating, and she was completely unaware of it, like many others, without showing any signs. It also acted as a wake-up call for her to seek ways to combat the disease with all the relevant interventions available.
Wondering what exactly is osteoporosis?
Read on.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.
Despite the slow progression of its symptoms, this condition is one of the major contributors to mobility impairment in the elderly. It can significantly alter life and deteriorate, emotional, and physical aspects of the individual’s health.
Everything you would wish to understand about osteoporosis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more, will be discussed in this guide that also provides useful tips on how to prevent it at any point in time.
Bone illnesses such as osteoporosis are characterized by decreased areal bone density and structural deterioration of bone tissue. The word ‘osteoporosis’ comes from the two words ‘osteo’ meaning bone and ‘porosis’ referring to porous in a manner that perfectly explains the gradual loss of the insides of the bones. Bones afflicted with osteoporosis possess an internal structure that resembles a honeycomb but with bigger openings and much thinner strands.
The weakest of these bones break even with minimal stress inflicted. Any bone can be broken; however, the wrists, spine, and hips are the most often affected. Despite the greater prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women from various age groups, the disease does not spare any individual.
Why Does Bone Health Matters ?
Major functions of bones include:
- Giving your body shape
- Helping you move
- Protecting your organs
- Creating new blood cells
- Storing minerals
The consequences of osteoporosis on these structures extend even further than the skeletal system. Long recovery timelines, chronic problems, being unable to accomplish tasks, and even living fewer years can be caused by a few broken bones. Thus, it is beneficial to prevent bone degeneration for overall well-being.
A Glimpse at the Numbers
Most of the individuals do not realize the prevalence of osteoporosis:
- This disease is estimated to affect over **200 million people** around the globe.
- In East, West, North, and South India, the prevalence of osteopenia was 51.3, 47.9, 55.6, and 47.4%, whereas the occurrence of osteoporosis was common in 18.4, 16.3, 16.4, and 20.7% of the sample population, respectively.
- Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men because the hormone changes that happen at the menopause directly affect bone density.
- Such statistics are horrifying, which therefore calls into the need for the undertaking and rescaling to many of the concerned issues as quickly as they can.
Osteoporosis Causes
There is no single factor responsible for osteoporosis. It results from a combination of factors that occur over a period of time and contribute to reduced bone strength and density.
- Age-Related Bone Loss:- Being organic structures, bones also go through the process of remodeling, which is the process that ensures continual restoration of these tissues. During this process, old bones are destroyed and new ones incorporated.
Bones are in a constant state of renewal, with new bone being created and old bone being broken down. From about age 25 to age 50, bone density tends to stay stable with equal amounts of bone formation and bone breakdown. After age 50, bone breakdown (resorption) outpaces bone formation and bone loss often accelerates, particularly at the time of menopause.
- Changes in Hormones:- Hormones play important roles in the maintenance of bone mass.
- For Women:
Hormones play a vital role in bone health throughout our lives, influencing growth, maintenance, and bone density.
Estrogen is a female hormone that helps keep bones healthy. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can cause a rapid decline in bone density.
- For Men:
Testosterone helps maintain bone mineral density (BMD) in men. As men age, their bodies produce less testosterone, which can lead to decreased BMD.
- Lack of Proper Nutrition:- Certain minerals are significant for the health of bones:
- Calcium: Important for healthy bone formation, a calcium deficit leads to the risk of osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D: Responsible for the utilization of calcium. Calcium intake is rendered useless in the absence of vitamin D.
- Protein: A healthy amount of protein enhances the structure and healing of bones.
- Lifestyle Choices:-
Few factors greatly influence bone resorption:
- Lack of exercise: Yes, a lack of exercise can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Exercising regularly can reduce the rate of bone loss and specific types of exercise can improve bone health.
- Cigarette smoking: Nicotine has a negative effect on bones by affecting the process of bone remodeling.
- Alcohol Use: Alcoholism, on the other hand, may lead to calcium loss and ultimate thinning of the bones.
Osteoporosis Risk factors
While not all will suffer the effects of osteoporosis, some factors will make some individuals more vulnerable than others.
- Body Frame and Genetics.
- Family History: There is a tendency that enhances the risk of suffering from osteoporosis.
- Size of Body Frame: Those with a smaller body frame may have limited bone mass to rely on as they age.
- Age and Gender.
- Gender: Women tend to be more at risk as their bones are smaller in size and, more importantly, due to the sharp reduction of estrogen during their menopause.
- Age: This is because natural bone density decreases with advancing years.
- Underlying Health Conditions.
- Among the chronic conditions that may interfere with the general health of the bones are rheumatism, celiac, and kidney diseases.
- The prolonged administration of corticosteroids, a class of drugs that is commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, is another risk factor.
Osteoporosis Symptoms
One challenge that one has to face while living with osteoporosis lies in the fact that the disease develops with no obvious symptoms. The majority of people do not show any signs of the illness until they experience a fracture. Still, there are a few early signs to be aware of:
- Early Signs.
- Loss of height with aging.
- Stooped or hunched posture
- Recurrent backaches
- Late – Stage Symptoms.
- The third type of progressive symptoms is fragility fractures.
These are fractures that occur from trivial trauma; for example, a fall from standing height.Osteoporotic fractures, which are classical and most common in the hip, wrist, or spinal region, are often the first complaint in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Diagnosis
It is easy to manage osteoporosis if it is diagnosed very early. Bone losses are evaluated in a series of tests, including imaging, physical examination, and getting a medical history.
- BMD using DEXA scan.
A DEXA scan is a low-radiation X-ray bone density scan or bone density test that determines the mineral composition of bone tissue. It gives a T-score to dictate the health of the bones as follows:
- Osteopenia: T score between – 1.0 and – 2.5 (indicating early bone loss).
- Osteoporosis: A T score less than – 2.5.
- Normal Bone Density: T score of – 1.0 and above.
- Other diagnostic procedures.
- X-rays:Useful for the bones, but in particular, detecting fractures, however, cannot be used for osteoporosis that is in the early stage.
- Blood tests: These are done to eliminate other causes for loss of bone, which include thyroid abnormality or insufficient vitamin D.
Osteoporosis Treatment
The management of osteoporosis has three major aims: tackling the causes of bone loss, increasing the strength of bones, and preventing fractures.
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Osteoporosis Medication
- Bisphosphonates: referred to as ‘Bisphosphonates’, are the most commonly prescribed drugs to reduce the risk of fracture and attenuate bone loss. Examples include Ibandronate and Alendronate.
- Hormone Therapy: The administration of estrogens is beneficial for women after menopause in regard to bone density preservation.
- Another choice: In extreme situations, drugs, for instance, teriparatide and denosumab, are very effective.
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Osteoporosis Lifestyle Modifications
- Dietary changes: Include more high-calcium foods such as milk, green vegetables, and cereals with added calcium.
- Workout: To enhance the growth of bones, weight-bearing exercise such as walking and resistance training should be incorporated.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both these activities, reducing the amount of alcohol consumed as well as the termination of smoking, are detrimental to the bones’ health directly.
-
Osteoporosis Supplements
- Calcium:
- Vitamin D:
Vitamin D and Calcium supplements can help medications work better
How to Prevent Osteoporosis?
The best method to overcome osteoporosis is to prevent it. You can significantly cut down your risk by keeping an eye on your bones all thro
- For Your Twenties and Thirties.
- Add to bone mass with calcium-rich food and regular exercise.
- Avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
2.For Your Forty and Fifty Years.
- Continue performing resistant, weight-bearing exercises to prevent further bone loss.
- Ensure there is a proper distribution of calcium and protein in your meals.
3.Beyond Your Sixties and Beyond.
- Ensure the environment is safe and well-lit to minimize the risk of falls.
- Use assistive devices if need be, and seek medical attention regularly.
Impacts of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis diminishes quality of life not only by making bones more fragile.
1.Physical Repercussions.
Prolonged recovery times, loss of motion, and persistent discomfort are some outcomes of fracturing. Especially in the elderly population, hip fractures are associated with a high rate of mortality.
2.Emotional Repercussions.
The fear of falling down or breaking bones may result in anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from society.
Osteoporosis – Conclusion
Osteoporosis may be regarded as a “silent disease,” but It, however, needs not be left unattended. It’s possible to have healthy bones and a physically active life with proper diagnosis, treatment, and associated interventions at early stages. Do something to protect your bones as well as encourage others. Consult an Orthopedic Surgeon today!
Also Read : All about Osteomalacia
Osteoporosis FAQs
What is the best way to manage and prevent osteoporosis?
Preventative strategies need to focus on one’s bone health for the rest of the life. A well-planned and balanced diet is fundamental, with an emphasis on calcium and vitamin D. Participate in weight-bearing activities such as dancing, hiking, jogging, or even walking as an exercise. They help to build the muscles and stimulate the growth of bones.
What are the possibilities of reversal of osteoporosis?
The advancing osteoporosis can be influenced, and there are cases where the bone mass can actually increase with appropriate measures. This is how:
- Medications: The newer medications, such as teriparatide or denosumab, and older medications, like bisphosphonates, are beneficial in enhancing bone density and reducing the incidences of fracture.
- Lifestyle modifications: In order to prevent further bone loss, one needs to change one’s eating habits, exercise regularly, and eliminate any use of tobacco and alcohol.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D are both important nutrients for preventing and treating osteoporosis but taking too much calcium or vitamin D can be harmful so consult doctor for the right recommendation
- Preventing Falls: It is important to prevent falls as a means of preventing injuries, fractures among individuals with osteoporosis. Most falls can be eliminated by making simple changes, such as installing grab bars, using non-skid rugs, and increasing illumination.
These procedures will help one resist fractures and live a more active and independent life, but they cannot replace all bone mass lost to osteoporosis.
How dangerous is osteoporosis if it is not treated?
Complications arise if you are still neglecting medical attention on osteoporosis. The below lists some of the complications that may arise:
- An increased propensity for sustaining fractures: The condition deteriorates the structure of bones, making them prone to even the slightest impacts, such as falling, bending, or sneezing. Hip bone breaks are especially risky because they often involve procedures and long recovery periods.
- Chronic pain: Due to fractures in the back, as well as other parts of the body, may lead to persistent suffering and pain, thus affecting the well-being of an individual.
- Reduced Movement: Excessive pain from fractures can be highly debilitating, preventing easy and free movement, hence making you rely on other people to accomplish basic tasks. This dependence can also have adverse effects on one’s psychological state due to the loss of autonomy.
- Posture Change: Any form of loss of height and bent posture may be due to suppression of vertebrae, respectively, due to the effect of osteoporosis.
In order to maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle and keep complications at bay, osteoporosis must be recognized and treated early on.
Does only the elderly suffer from osteoporosis?
Definitely not, as osteoporosis can affect people of all ages, although age-risk factors increase with age. However, the following are significant factors to note:
- Young Adults: Osteoporosis occurs in young individuals and is rarely due to underlying conditions such as coeliac disease, hormonal imbalances, or long-term use of steroids.
- Women Post Pregnancy: Bone health is very important when pregnant and breastfeeding because one of these will result in some levels of bone loss among women.
- Medical Conditions: In the younger population, for example, osteoporosis may result from some form of eating disorder, diseases, or long periods of bed rest.
How often do bone density tests need to be carried out?
How frequently you require bone density tests will be dictated by the risk factors, age, and sex, as well as osteoporosis status. The following are some general guidelines:
- Women After Menopause: Consider performing bone densitometry in all women who are older than 50 and have such risk factors as premature menopause, family history, or history of fractures, among others.
- Men Over 70: Men should consider getting a bone density test if they have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as:
-
- A family history of osteoporosis
- A history of bone fractures after age 50
- A history of medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances
- Long-term use of certain medications
- Low body weight or low body mass index
- Significant loss of height
- Long-term tobacco or excessive alcohol use
- High-Risk Areas: It is suggested that screening examinations be performed more often for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and those taking drugs that are associated with the weakening of bones, such as corticosteroids.
- Post-Fracture Testing: It is necessary to perform a bone density test after a fragility fracture to evaluate the patients’ odds of sustaining subsequent fractures.
References
- OrthoInfo – AAOS – Osteoporosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons [Internet].
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osteoporosis/. Accessed Dec. 06, 2024.
- What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) [Internet].
https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ . Accessed Dec. 11, 2024.
- Osteoporosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) [Internet].
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take. Accessed Dec. 05, 2024.
