IS IT OSTEOPOROSIS ? READ THIS BLOG TO KNOW MORE !!

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, which increases the risk of fractures or broken bones. It occurs when the body loses too much bone mass, makes too little bone, or both.

The bones in our body are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. When we are young, our bodies make new bone faster than old bone is broken down, so our bone mass increases. But as we get older, this process slows down, and our bones lose more mass than they gain. This can lead to osteoporosis over time.

Risk factors for osteoporosis:

Aging

Being Female

Being Postmenopausal

Having A Small Body Frame

Having A Family History of The Condition

Being Physically Inactive

Smoking

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Certain Medical Conditions – Ex: Rheumatoid

Taking Certain Medications That Can Weaken Bones – Ex: Oral Steroid

 

How do you know you have Osteoporosis?

The symptoms of osteoporosis are often not noticeable until a bone break. Common sites for fractures include the hip, spine, and wrist.

It's important to keep in mind that osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because it usually has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. That's why it's important to get regularly screened, especially if you are at high risk for the condition.

However, as osteoporosis progresses, it can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Back pain: Osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the vertebrae of the spine, which can lead to back pain, hunched posture, and loss of height.

Bone fractures: Osteoporosis can increase the risk of fractures, especially in the hips, wrists, and spine. These fractures can be painful and may require surgery to repair.

Loss of height: Osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the vertebrae of the spine, leading to a loss of height over time.

Stooped posture: Osteoporosis can cause a gradual curvature of the spine, known as kyphosis, which can result in a stooped posture.

Weak or brittle nails: Osteoporosis can cause changes to the nails, including weakness, brittleness, and increased ridges or indentations.

Tooth loss: Osteoporosis can lead to loss of bone in the jaw, which can increase the risk of tooth loss.

Poor grip strength: Osteoporosis can weaken the bones in the hands, leading to decreased grip strength and an increased risk of fractures.

Fractures from minor trauma: People with osteoporosis may experience fractures from minor injuries, such as a fall from standing height or even from sneezing or coughing.

It is important to note that these symptoms are not unique to osteoporosis, and can be caused by other conditions as well. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your bone health, it is important to speak with your doctor for evaluation and management. 

Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. The following are some common methods used to diagnose osteoporosis:

Bone density test: This is the most common test used to diagnose osteoporosis. It uses X-rays, CT scans, or DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans to measure the density of your bones. The results are compared to the peak bone mass of a healthy young adult, and a diagnosis of osteoporosis is made if the A dual X-ray absorptiometry scan reports the t-score and a z-score. 

A t-score reflects the difference between the measured bone mineral density and the mean value of bone mineral density in young adults. It is measured in standard deviations. The WHO has defined normal bone mineral density for women as a t-score within one standard deviation of the young adult mean. Scores between negative 1 and negative 2.5 reflect a diagnosis of osteopenia. Scores below negative 2.5 reflect a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

 Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to measure bone density in certain areas of the body, such as the heel or wrist.

 Fracture risk assessment tools: These are simple questionnaires that assess the risk of fracture based on factors such as age, gender, weight, and medical history.

https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=51

 Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check for low levels of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals that are important for healthy bones.

 Your doctor may also consider other factors, such as your risk of falling, when making a diagnosis of osteoporosis. If you have a family history of osteoporosis or have broken bones easily in the past, you may be more likely to have the condition.

 Treatment for osteoporosis is aimed at slowing the progression of bone loss, reducing the risk of fractures, and improving bone density. The following are some common treatments for osteoporosis:

Medications: There are several types of medications that have been shown to slow down bone loss and increase bone density, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, and raloxifene. These medications are usually taken orally or by injection, and their use may be limited to certain individuals due to potential side effects.

 Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: Your doctor may recommend that you take calcium and Vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones healthy. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,000 to 1,200 mg for most adults, and vitamin D is 800 to 1,000 IU per day. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended if dietary intake is insufficient.

Weight-bearing exercise: Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking can help build and maintain strong bones. Your doctor may also recommend other forms of exercise, such as yoga to help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

 Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can help to improve bone health. Additionally, a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can also support overall bone health.

 Surgery: In some cases, surgery like vertebroplasty or posterior screw fixation -open or minimally invasive may be necessary to treat fractures that have occurred as a result of osteoporosis.

 

It's important to work closely with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and circumstances. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to effectively manage osteoporosis.

It's important to consult your Doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for osteoporosis based on individual needs and circumstances.

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