Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, best explained by breaking down the word ‘Osteoporosis’ meaning ‘reduced bone density’, is a medical condition in which bones become weak and brittle. This thinning of bones and weak bone crystals put the person at a greater risk of getting bone fractures. This condition can affect any gender, but is more prevalent in women who have crossed menopause.

As per a report from National Osteoporosis Foundation, a healthy bone has an architecture similar to a honeycomb. In comparison, a bone with low density will have larger holes compared to a healthy bone.

Symptoms

The early stage of loss of bone has typically no symptoms. But as it progresses, signs begin to show. The major symptoms of this disease are:

  • Persistent back pain.
  • Difficulty in standing for long periods.
  • Fractures, or a collapsed vertebra.
  • Bending spinal cord causing loss of height and change of body posture.
  • Bone fracture that may occur more easily and rapidly even with slightest of shock.

 

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Causes

Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of formation of new bone is lower, as compared to wear and tear being caused. The major causes of this disease are:

  • Loss of bone density in case of pregnancy, delivery, and lactation.
  • Reduction of generation of oestrogen.
  • Prolonged use of oral corticosteroids under high dosage.
  • Medical conditions like inflammation, hormone imbalance, malnutrition, and low calcium absorption by body.
  • A family history, particularly hip fracture of any one parent.
  • Long term use of medications which affects bone density or hormone balance.
  • Lower body mass index (BMI).
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption.

 

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Risks

Factors and certain habits that increase the risk of the disease are:

  • Sex - Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
  • Age - The older you get, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Race – You are at greatest risk of osteoporosis, if you are a Caucasian or of Asian descent.
  • Family history - Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at a greater risk, especially if your mother or father experienced a hip fracture.
  • Body frame size - Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from, as they age..
  • Hormone levels - Too much or too less of certain hormone types may pose a risk for the disease.
  • Dietary - Eating disorders or a surgery that limited the amount of surface area available to absorb nutrients, including calcium.
  • Medications and steroids: Prolonged use of oral or injected corticosteroid medications such as prednisone and cortisone, interferes with bone building.
  • Lifestyle – Sitting for a long time, regular consumption of alcohol, and tobacco intake.
  • Other diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer, lupus, multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis affect nutrient intake and normal body functioning.

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Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, these are certain things one should take care of:

  • Weight bearing exercises.
  • Diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.
  • Adopting a healthy lifestyle.

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How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, our doctors will use the following technologies to diagnose the disease:

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How is it treated?

At Medanta, the goal of the treatment is to avoid and reduce fractures by reducing bone density loss or increasing the same. Since density cannot be rebuilt for osteoporosis affected bones, prevention is the only way out. Following are the measure..

  • Lifestyle changes

    Minor lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and an increase in calcium and vitamin D intake.

  • Medication

     Medicine intake to manage calcium and vitamin D intake, maintaining hormonal balance, and medications to initiate bone formation.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should consult a doctor immediately, if you have sudden and severe pain, and notice a deformity after a fall or have a broken bone. You can also see a doctor after menopause to discuss the risks and prevention of the disease.

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How does Medanta provide care?

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