About this topic
Osteoporosis is a health problem where bones become weak and fragile. All through life, old bone is taken away by the body and new bone is added. Before age 30, more bone is added than taken away. This builds stronger, heavier bones. After age 30, more bone is lost than is made. This can cause bones to become weak. Then, they are more likely to break. If your bones are just starting to weaken, it may be called osteopenia. The bones are less dense than they should be. This is not as bad as osteoporosis. Both of these conditions often happen without any signs. About half of all women older than 50 and about a fourth of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. ‚
What are the causes?
- Body is not making the right amount of new bone
- Too much old bone is being taken up by the body
What can make this more likely to happen?
Many things can raise your chance of having weak bones. Some of them you are not able to control: ‚
- Age or your sex. Women over 30 are more likely to have this problem.
- Race ¢ ˆ ’ White or Asian women
- Having gone through menopause
- Having a parent with osteoporosis
- Being small and thin
- Certain health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, GI problems, some cancers, chronic kidney disease, overactive thyroid, hyperparathyroidism
- Having a history of broken bones
- Low hormone levels or vitamin deficiencies
Other things that make this condition more likely to happen are things you can control. ‚
- Lack of exercise
- Eating disorder or not eating a healthy diet
- Lack of sunlight
- Certain drugs
- Too much caffeine, beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Smoking
What are the main signs?
- Broken bones. Spine, hip, and wrists are the most common.
- Pain with bone breaks
- Loss of height
- Upper spine starts to curve forward
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. ‚
Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scans
- Nuclear bone scan
- Measure density of bones in your hip, spine, and wrist
- Risk assessment to estimate your chance of breaking a bone in the next 10 years
- Vertebral fracture assessment
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Diet changes
- Weight-bearing exercises
- Physical therapy
- Drugs
Are there other health problems to treat?
Health problems that put you at risk for getting osteoporosis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and an overactive thyroid, need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent bone loss
- Build up your bones
- Give you extra vitamins and minerals
- Balance hormones
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy veggies, canned salmon or sardines, tofu, and calcium-fortified orange juice and cereals.
- Avoid high protein diets. Protein is important but too much can cause bone loss.
- Limit caffeine. Moderate amounts of coffee and tea are fine. Avoid carbonated cola drinks as studies show drinking these puts you at greater risk for bone loss.
What problems could happen?
- Broken bones
- Slumped posture
- Loss of height
- Poor bone healing
- Loss of motion
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
- Keep your home clutter-free to lessen your chances of falling. Keep the house well-lit. Use shower mats to avoid slipping in a wet shower.
- If you have balance problems, use a cane or walker for safe walking.
- Be extra careful in winter weather to avoid slipping on ice.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/osteoporosis/whatisosteoporosis/01.html ‚
National Osteoporosis Foundation ‚
http://www.nof.org/learn/basics ‚
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/overview.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚