What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Bones are living tissue that grows and repairs themselves throughout life. As we age, our bone density decreases. This decrease in bone density leads to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is most commonly seen in women after menopause. In fact, about 80% of all cases of osteoporosis occur in postmenopausal women.
It is one of the most common diseases affecting older adults. It is characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue resulting in an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They increase the risk of disability, loss of independence, institutionalization, and death.
Osteoporotic fractures affect approximately 44 million Americans (about 20 percent of those 65 and older). About 1.5 million new fractures occur each year. Hip fractures alone cost Medicare $2 billion annually.
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What are the types of Osteoporosis?
There are different types of osteoporosis. They include postmenopausal osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and other diseases.
Postmenopausal osteoporotic fractures occur mainly in women after menopause. Women who have gone through menopause lose about 1% of their bone mass every year. This leads to thinning of the bones, especially in the hip and spine. As the bones weaken, they become more susceptible to fracture.
Senile osteoporosis is another form of osteoporosis that affects older adults. Senile osteoporosis results from age-related bone loss. In this case, the bones become weaker as the person ages.
Other forms of osteoporosis include primary osteoporosis, secondary osteoporosis, and idiopathic osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis is a genetic disorder that causes bones to become weak and brittle. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by certain medications such as steroids. Idiopathic osteoporsis is a condition that has no known cause.
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What causes Osteoporosis?
Also called “porous bone disease”, there can be several reasons why osteoporosis develops. Some of the most common ones include:
• Aging – As we age, our bones begin to lose mass. This leads to less dense bones.
• Lack of calcium – Calcium is needed to build strong bones. When we don’t eat enough calcium, our bones become weak.
• Smoking – Cigarette smoking damages the lungs and reduces the amount of oxygen available to the cells. This decreases the absorption of calcium from the intestines.
• Hormone imbalance – Women who take birth control pills tend to develop osteoporosis. Menopausal women also experience this problem.
• Low vitamin D intake – Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones. Our skin synthesizes vitamin D through sunlight exposure. However, if we spend too much time indoors, we would be vitamin D deficient. Since Vitamin D is integral Calcium absorption, being Vitam D deficient means less calcium is absorbed by the body. This naturally leads to bone loss, and osteoporosis.
• Stress – Stress can weaken the immune system and increase the production of cortisol, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density. As a person ages, bone mass decreases. In women after menopause, this process accelerates. Bones become thinner and brittle, and fractures occur more frequently. Bone density also declines as we age.
The most common symptom of osteoporosis is broken bones. Fractures happen when bones break under normal stresses. They can occur in the spine, hip, wrist, ribs, and other areas. When bones fracture, they heal slowly. This means that healing takes longer and recovery is slower.
Other symptoms include:
• Pain in the back, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, or neck. (Bone Pains)
• Swelling in the joints.
• Difficulty walking.
• Loss of height.
• Loose Teeth
Risk Factors, People who are likely to get Osteoporosis
Older adults – As we age, our bones lose calcium and become brittle. Bone density decreases as we age.
Family history – Having a family member with osteoporosis increases your chance of developing this condition.
Genetics – Some families inherit bone thinning genes. It is called the Osteoporosis Gene and is caused by mutations in the LPR5 gene.
Ethnicity – African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are more likely to develop osteoporosis than Caucasians.
Postmenopausal women – After menopause, estrogen production decreases and bone density declines. Lower Estrogen levels leads to thinning bones and an increased risk of fractures. Bone density decreases as much as 30% during the first 10 years after menopause.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), in 2017-2018, the prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in adults 50 and older was 55.7%*.
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Treatment of Osteoporosis
There are many treatments for osteoporosis. The goal of treatment is to prevent further bone loss and reduce pain. Treatment includes:
• Exercise – Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength and bone density. It’s important to do exercises that strengthen muscles around your joints. These help protect you against falls.
• Diet – A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D will help build stronger bones. Foods high in protein like milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, nuts, and soy products provide extra calcium. Calcium supplements may also be used.
• Medication – Drugs such as estrogen replacement therapy, bisphosphonate drugs, calcitonin, and selective estrogen receptor modulators have been shown to slow bone loss.
• Surgery – Sometimes surgery is necessary to repair damaged bones. For example, vertebroplasty is a procedure that uses cement to fill cracks in the spine.
Prevention of Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Fracture (Osteoporosis-Related Fracture)
It is possible to prevent some types of osteoporotic fractures. By doing certain things it is possible to lower your chances of having an osteoporotic fracture. Here are some ways to prevent them:
• Get regular checkups with your doctor. Ask about preventive measures that can help you avoid osteoporotic fractures and what you should do if you think you’ve had one.
• Eat foods high in calcium. Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are good sources of calcium. Other food sources include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, bok choy, sardines, salmon, and tofu. You can get calcium from fortified cereals and juices.
• Take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement program. If you’re taking medications, make sure you talk to your doctor first.
• Do weight-bearing exercise regularly. Walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and bicycling are examples of activities that put stress on bones.
• Avoid smoking.
Untreated osteoporosis can lead to complications
People with Osteoporosis need to be aware that not attending to your bone mass loss and maintaining healthy bones with lead to complications. These complications include,
1. Increased risk of fracture: When bones become weak and brittle, they are more likely to break. Fractures can happen without warning and can be painful and debilitating.
2. Painful fractures: Bones that are fractured can hurt. In addition to causing pain, fractures can limit movement and require surgery.
3. Deformities: Bone breaks can change the shape of your body. Over time, broken bones can cause permanent damage to your joints and muscles.
4. Disability: Fractured bones can prevent you from doing things like walking, standing up straight, climbing stairs, and lifting objects.
Foods to eat for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and strength. There are several ways to prevent osteoporosis.
One way is to consume foods rich in calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other food sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, tofu, bok choy, salmon, sardines, and broccoli.
Another way is to consume foods containing vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in fish oil, eggs, and fortified cereals.
One way countries across the globe have tried to address Low Calcium Absorption among people is to fortify milk with Vitamin D. Calcium is naturally present in milk and Vitamin D is essential to absorb calcium. By, fortifying the milk, the problem of malabsorption is solved.
Lifestyle changes are important for preventing osteoporosis. They include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
In conclusion, the first step in preventing osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures is to get regular check-ups with your doctor. Make sure your doctor checks your bone density and recommends the appropriate preventative measures. Next, it is important to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Last but not least, make sure you engage in weight-bearing exercise on a regular basis. These three things alone can help you achieve healthy bones and a longer, healthier life. Healthy Bones Mean A Longer, HAPPIER LIFE!
Source: National Institutes of Health
Can osteoporosis affect young adults?
Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not limited to the elderly. Although it is more prevalent in older adults, it can also affect younger individuals. This can occur due to certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or genetic predisposition.
Is osteoporosis more common in women?
Yes, osteoporosis is more commonly seen in women, particularly after menopause. The hormonal changes that occur during menopause contribute to a higher risk of bone loss. However, men can also develop osteoporosis, especially in later stages of life.
Can certain foods help prevent osteoporosis?
Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, and fatty fish are excellent sources of these nutrients. However, excessive intake of protein, sodium, or caffeine may negatively affect bone health.
Can medications cause osteoporosis?
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone), can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Long-term use of these medications should be carefully monitored, and preventive measures should be taken to minimize bone loss.
Are there any uncommon risk factors for osteoporosis?
While age, gender, and family history are well-known risk factors, some lesser-known factors include low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease). Assessing these factors can help identify individuals at higher risk.