With thanks to the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis) and Royal Osteoporosis Society (Royal Osteoporosis Society – Better Bone Health for Everybody)
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is sometimes called “Brittle Bone Disease”. Osteoporosis usually develops slowly and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break. Wrist, hip and spinal bones are the most common ones to be injured but fractures can happen in any bone. Sometimes a minor knock, sneeze or cough can cause this.
Osteoporosis is not usually painful until a bone is broken, but broken bones in the spine are a common cause of long-term pain. Some older people can develop a stooped posture because of this condition as their broken spinal bones cannot support the weight of their body.
Osteoporosis can be treated with bone strengthening medicines and weight bearing exercise.
Causes of Osteoporosis
Losing bone density is a normal part of ageing. However, some people lose bone much faster than normal and this can lead to an increased risk of broken bones. It can affect men, women and children of all ages.
Common risk factors include –
Medical conditions – Some other medical conditions have been shown to affect our bone density. These include Rheumatoid arthritis, early menopause, Hyperthyroidism and Chron’s disease.
Low BMI – Thinner people tend to have weaker bones and less “padding”. This low weight could be caused by an eating disorder or too much exercise.
Smoking and Alcohol – Both of these affect the cells that build bone and therefore reduce its’ density.
Genetics – Your genetic make up and family history will help to determine the size and strength of your bones. A history of bone breaks also increases your risk.
Gender – Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men because of the reduction in the hormone oestrogen during and after menopause. This hormone helps to keep bones strong. Women also tend to have smaller bones than men which increases their risk of injury.
Medication – Some drugs can affect bone density and this should be explained by your G.P. Usually, these side effects can be mitigated through dietary supplements and regular exercise. Steroids, hormone treatments after cancer and anti-epileptic medication are all known to affect bone density.
You can check your risk factors by using this link:
https://theros.org.uk/risk-checker
Diagnosing osteoporosis
If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, they can work out your future risk of breaking a bone using an online programme. They may also refer you for a bone density scan (DEXA Scan) to measure your bone strength. It’s a short, painless procedure that takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned.
Your bone density can then be compared to that of a healthy young adult to decide what treatment may be required.
Treating osteoporosis
If you think that you could be at risk of developing osteoporosis, you can take steps to help keep your bones healthy. It’s never too early or late to start.
Taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D will maintain your bone density.
Giving up smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption will reduce damage to bone creating cells.
Medical treatment for osteoporosis is based on treating and preventing broken bones, along with taking medicine to strengthen your bones. This medication works by slowing down the natural processes that break down and remodel our bones. Vitamin supplements can also help to boost bone production and maintain strength.
The decision about whether you need treatment depends on your risk of breaking a bone in the future. This will be based on a number of factors such as your age, sex and the results of your bone density scan.
Reducing your risk of a fall is vital. Make sure that your home is free from trip hazards and you have regular eye tests. A night light on the stairs can be useful.
If you think that you (or a loved one) may be at risk of this conditions, please seek medical advice.
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