World Osteoporosis Day: Empowering You to Understand and Prevent

This article was published on: 10/18/24 5:24 AM

Osteoporosis Explained: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Care Strategies

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease”  because the condition refers to the loss in bone strength that makes the bones susceptible to fracture. This disease, which is progressive and often undiagnosed, may affect the quality of one’s life easily at fracture. On
World Osteoporosis Day, we raise awareness about the status quo of this condition and its implications. At Axis
Hospital, which is known to be the best
orthopedic hospital in Mumbai, we genuinely believe that our patients need to be empowered with proper knowledge
and education regarding osteoporosis, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and preventive measures.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease resulting from excessive loss of bone mass or failure to gain the bone mass during
growth. The bones become fragile due to low density, hence more prone to breakage. Fragile bones fracture easily with
minor falls, bending over, or coughing. Understanding the condition is important in effective prevention and treatment
because it prevents many individuals, who may not even know they have it, from fractures.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” because a major problem may be in the process of
developing before symptoms begin to appear. However, certain signs can indicate a problem:

• Fractures: The most common and noticeable symptom. Fractures can occur in the hip, spine, or wrist and
  may happen with little or no trauma.
• Bone Pain: While osteoporosis itself may not cause pain, the fractures and associated conditions can lead to
  discomfort.
• Loss of Height: People with osteoporosis may experience a reduction in height due to vertebral fractures.
• Stooped Posture: A stooped or hunched posture can develop over time as the bones in the spine weaken.

Recognizing these symptoms early can prompt individuals to seek medical advice and
evaluate their bone health.

Causes of Osteoporosis

The causes of osteoporosis are multifaceted and
can vary from person to person. Some of the common causes include:

• Age: Bone density naturally decreases with age. Most bone loss occurs after age 30, especially in
  postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone levels in men can contribute to bone loss.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can affect bone health. These nutrients are vital for maintaining bone mass.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can weaken bones. Weight-bearing exercises are essential for building and maintaining bone density.
• Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can lead to osteoporosis.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis:

• Genetics: A family history of osteoporosis can predispose individuals to the condition.
• Body Frame Size: People with smaller body frames tend to have a higher risk because they have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, contributing to bone loss.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to decreased bone formation and increased risk of fractures.
• Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and malabsorption disorders can contribute to bone density loss.

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to manage
their bone health.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

Treating osteoporosis often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications,
and therapies aimed at increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. Here are some common treatment options:

1. 1. Medications:
      

      • Bisphosphonates: These are the most commonly prescribed medications for osteoporosis, helping to slow down bone loss.
      • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For postmenopausal women, HRT can help maintain bone density by replacing estrogen.
      • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): These mimic estrogen’s beneficial effects on bone
        density.
      • Denosumab: This injectable medication helps reduce bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption.

   2. Lifestyle Modifications:
      

      • Dietary Changes: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fatty fish are excellent sources.
      • Exercise: Engaging in weight-bearing and strength-training exercises can help build and maintain bone
        density.

   3. Stem Cell Therapy: 

      This new treatment technique may aid the regeneration of bone mass and in improving the bone density. It should be possible to nudge stem cells to become bone-forming cells, which may provide a new treatment for osteoporosis or even repair damaged osteoporotic bone.

   4. Physical Therapy: 

      Tailored exercise programs can help improve strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

      By combining all these treatments, therefore, a person can safely, effectively, and comfortably manage the case of
      osteoporosis and generally boost their bone health.

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Preventing osteoporosis is crucial, especially for those at higher risk. Here are some effective strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis:

1. Healthy Diet:

   • Ensure adequate intake of calcium (1,000 to
     1,200 mg per day) and vitamin D (800 to 1,000 IU per day).
   • Incorporate
     foods rich in these nutrients, such as dairy products, fortified foods, and leafy green
     vegetables.

2. Regular Exercise:

   • Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises,
     such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, to help build and maintain bone density.
   • Incorporate balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls.

3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: 

   Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can have a positive impact on bone health.

4. Regular Health Check-ups: 

   Routine screenings for bone density can actually help one catch the disease early enough to allow for timely intervention and management.

5. Medication Adherence: 

   If your doctor prescribed medicines for osteoporosis, make sure to use them according to the prescription to ensure effectiveness in preventing future bone loss.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a serious medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Thereafter, it will increase the
risk of fractures and generally diminish the quality of life. Diagnosis includes identifying symptoms of osteoporosis,
the causes of osteoporosis, and the risk factors for osteoporosis, in managing these health issues effectively. Axis Hospital is indeed the best orthopedic hospital in Mumbai. It is proud to ensure advanced care for osteoporosis through innovative treatments like stem cell therapy, but in terms of preventing osteoporosis, any lifestyle change in
combination with following the treatment would greatly reduce its risk and thereby result in better bone health
generally.

If you suspect you may be at risk for osteoporosis or are experiencing symptoms, we would be more than happy to have our orthopedic specialists see you in order to conduct a full evaluation and give you personalized care. Together, we can work towards building stronger, healthier bones and a better future.