Osteoporosis is a problem that affects millions of people around the world, and yet it is often overshadowed by other health concerns. This is likely because osteoporosis is seen as a “silent” disease – one that doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. But make no mistake, osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to debilitating pain, loss of mobility, and even death. That’s why World Osteoporosis Day was created – to bring awareness to this often-forgotten condition and to help those who suffer from it. On October 20, 2022, join us in celebrating World Osteoporosis Day. Here are just some of the ways you can get involved:
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and weak. It can affect people of any age, but is most common in older women. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures, which can be painful and cause disability.
There are two types of osteoporosis: primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis occurs naturally with age. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by other factors, such as certain medications or medical conditions.
There are several risk factors for osteoporosis, including family history, being female, having a small frame, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough calcium or vitamin D.
You can help prevent osteoporosis by making sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake. If you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for it, your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent fractures.
The causes of osteoporosis
There are many different causes of osteoporosis, but the most common is simply aging. As we age, our bones naturally become weaker and more brittle. Other risk factors for developing osteoporosis include being female (especially after menopause), having a small or thin frame, a family history of the condition, eating a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, smoking cigarettes, and drinking too much alcohol.
Some medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. These include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, anorexia nervosa, certain types of cancer (such as breast and prostate cancer), certain medications (such as steroids and anticonvulsants), and thyroid disorders.
Symptoms of osteoporosis
There are many different symptoms of osteoporosis, and they vary depending on the severity of the condition. In its early stages, osteoporosis may not cause any symptoms at all. As the condition progresses, it can cause a variety of problems, including:
-A gradual loss of height
-A stooped posture
-Back pain
– fractures (breaks) in the bones, especially in the spine, hip, or wrist
Diagnosing osteoporosis
There are a few ways to diagnose osteoporosis. The most common is through a bone density test, which can be done with a special X-ray machine or ultrasound waves. This test measures how much mineral is in your bones and can help show if you have osteoporosis.
Other tests that may be used to diagnose osteoporosis include:
• A blood test to measure levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme that helps with bone growth)
• A urine test to measure levels of calcium and other minerals
• ADual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan, which uses low doses of radiation to measure bone density in the spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor will likely want to do more tests to find out what is causing the condition. Osteoporosis can be caused by many different things, including certain medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.
Treatment options for osteoporosis
There are many different treatment options for osteoporosis, and the best one for you will depend on your individual situation. Some common treatments include:
-Weight-bearing exercise: This type of exercise helps to stimulate new bone growth and slow the rate of bone loss. It can be as simple as walking or jogging for 30 minutes several times per week.
-Medications: There are several medications that can be prescribed to help treat osteoporosis. These include bisphosphonates, calcitonin, denosumab, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
-Dietary supplements: Adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet can help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
-Hormone therapy: If you are a postmenopausal woman, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
If you have osteoporosis, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. They can help you create a plan that is right for you.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem worldwide. Each year, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures in the United States alone. Of these fractures, approximately 300,000 occur in the hip, 400,000 in the vertebrae, and 250,000 in the forearm.1
There are many things people can do to help prevent osteoporosis or keep it from getting worse. Some risk factors for osteoporosis—such as family history and genetics—are out of our control. But there are other risk factors that we can change with lifestyle choices:
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D throughout life is essential for building strong bones when we’re young and for keeping them strong as we age. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, dark leafy greens, and fortified foods such as some orange juice and cereals. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium. We get vitamin D from sunlight exposure and from a few foods like fatty fish (such as tuna), egg yolks, and fortified foods (such as milk).2
Regular weight-bearing exercise—such as walking, running, stair climbing, tennis, or dancing—can also help prevent osteoporosis by strengthening bones and improving muscle function.2
Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.3 So if you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages excessively, quitting may help
Conclusion
October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day, and it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about this important health issue. Osteoporosis affects millions of people around the world, and it can lead to painful fractures and other serious health problems. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, and World Osteoporosis Day is a great time to learn more about this disease and how you can prevent it.
