Osteoporosis develops when bone density decreases. The body reabsorbs more bone tissue and produces less to replace it. Show
In people with osteoporosis, the bones become porous and weaker, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae, and some peripheral joints, such as the wrists. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) estimate that over 44 million people in the United States currently have osteoporosis. In this article, we look at how to treat osteoporosis, what causes it, and how a doctor diagnoses it. Osteoporosis develops slowly, and a person may not know they have it until they experience a fracture or break after a minor incident, such as a fall. Even a cough or sneeze can cause a break in osteoporotic bones. Breaks will often occur in the hip, wrists, or the spinal vertebrae for people who have osteoporosis. If a break occurs in the spinal vertebrae, it can lead to changes in posture, a stoop, and curvature of the spine. People might also notice a decrease in height or their clothes may not fit as well as they did previously. When to see a doctorSevere discomfort in any of the common locations for osteoporotic bone damage could indicate an unexpected or unidentified fracture. People should seek medical evaluation as soon as they notice this type of pain. Treatment aims to:
People at risk of osteoporosis and fractures can use preventive lifestyle measures, supplements, and certain medications to achieve these goals. Drug therapyDrugs that can help prevent and treat osteoporosis include: Bisphosphonates: These are antiresorptive drugs that slow bone loss and reduce a person’s fracture risk.
The future of osteoporosis treatmentDoctors may use stem cell therapy to treat osteoporosis in the future. In 2016, researchers found that injecting a particular kind of stem cell into mice reversed osteoporosis and bone loss in a way that could also benefit humans. Scientists believe that genetic factors strongly determine bone density. Researchers are investigating which genes are responsible for bone formation and loss in the hope that this might offer new osteoporosis treatment in the future. Doctors have identified several risk factors for osteoporosis. Some are modifiable, but it is not possible to avoid others. The body continually absorbs old bone tissue and generates new bone to maintain bone density, strength, and structural integrity. Bone density peaks when a person is in their late 20s, and it starts to weaken at around 35 years of age, As a person grows older, bone breaks down faster than it rebuilds. Osteoporosis may develop if this breakdown occurs excessively. It can affect both males and females, but it is most likely to occur in women after menopause because of the sudden decrease in estrogen. Estrogen normally protects women against osteoporosis. The IOF advises that once people reach 50 years of age, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience fractures due to osteoporosis. Unavoidable factorsAccording to the American College of rheumatology, nonmodifiable risk factors include:
Diet and lifestyle choicesModifiable risk factors include:
Weight bearing exercise helps prevent osteoporosis. It places controlled stress on the bones, which encourages bone growth. Drugs and health conditionsShare on PinterestTaking certain medications may increase the risk of osteoporosis.Some diseases or medications cause changes in hormone levels, and some drugs reduce bone mass. Diseases that affect hormone levels include hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and Cushing’s syndrome. Research published in 2015 suggests that transgender women who receive hormone treatment (HT) may have an increased risk of osteoporosis. However, using anti-androgens for a year before starting HT may reduce this risk. Transgender men do not appear to have a high risk of osteoporosis. However, scientists need to carry out more research to confirm these findings. Medical conditions that increase the risk include:
Medications that raise the risk include:
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the most common type osteoporosis that develops due to medication use. Certain alterations to lifestyle can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D intakeShare on PinterestDairy products are a plentiful source of calcium, which can help a person reduce the risk of osteoporosis.Calcium is essential for bones. People should make sure they consume enough calcium daily. Adults aged 19 years and above should consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. Women who are over 51 years of age and all adults from 71 years onward should have a daily intake of 1,200 mg. Dietary sources include:
If a person’s calcium intake is inadequate, supplements are an option. Vitamin D also plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis as it helps the body absorb calcium. Dietary sources include fortified foods, saltwater fish, and liver. However, most vitamin D does not come from food but from sun exposure, so doctors recommend moderate, regular exposure to sunlight. Lifestyle factorsOther ways to minimize the risk are:
For people who already have osteoporosis, nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention techniques play a key role in reducing the risk of fracture and the rate of bone loss. Fall preventionTips for fall prevention include:
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend bone density screening for all women aged 65 years and over and younger women who are at high risk of experiencing a fracture. A doctor will consider family history and any risk factors. If they suspect osteoporosis, they will request a bone mineral density scan (BMD). Bone density scanning uses a type of X-ray known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA can indicate the risk of osteoporotic fractures. It can also help monitor a person’s response to treatment. Two types of devices can carry out a DEXA scan:
DEXA test resultsDoctors give the results of the test as a DEXA T score or a Z score. The T score compares an individual’s bone mass with the peak bone mass of a younger person.
The Z score compares the bone mass with that of other people of a similar build and age. A doctor will typically repeat the test every 2 years as this allows them to compare results. Other testsAn ultrasoundscan of the heel bone is another method that doctors use for assessing osteoporosis, and they can carry it out in the primary care setting. It is less common than DEXA, and the doctors cannot compare the measurements against DEXA T scores. As bones become weaker, fractures occur more frequently, and, with age, they take longer to heal. This can lead to ongoing pain and loss of stature as bones in the spine begin to collapse. Some people take a long time to recover from a broken hip, and others may no longer be able to live independently. Anyone concerned that they may be at risk of osteoporosis should ask their doctor about screening. Read this article in Spanish. Which weight[1] Regular weight-bearing, along with vitamin supplementation, is the cornerstone for fracture prevention in these patients. [2] On the other hand, two exercises that involve limiting weight-bearing include cycling and swimming.
How can you reduce the risk of fractures?What can you do to protect your bones?. Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well balanced diet.. Engage in regular exercise.. Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables.. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.. How can you reduce the risk of fracture in osteoporosis?Weight-bearing exercise is associated with increases in bone density. Alcohol and tobacco use can be eliminated, and physical activity can be increased in most elderly patients. These lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of fractures.
What are weightWeight-bearing aerobic activities involve doing aerobic exercise on your feet, with your bones supporting your weight. Examples include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening.
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