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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Make changes to your diet that will help lessen more bone loss.
- Do weight-bearing exercise each day.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) to help you learn exercises for balance and safe walking.
- Your doctor may send you to rehab after a bone break.
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
Will physical activity be limited?
You should avoid activities that put you at a high risk for breaking a bone. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden back pain with or without numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the arms and legs. This could be a sign of a bone break in a spinal bone. A spinal bone break can happen even without falling.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have sudden back pain.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚