What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become thin, weak, and fragile. This loss of bone strength makes fractures more likely, even from simple movements such as bending, coughing, or daily activities.
The most common fractures related to osteoporosis occur in the spine, wrist, and hip.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including:
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Being female, age 50 or older, or postmenopausal
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Low calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin B12 intake
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Sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity
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Thin body frame
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Long-term use of steroids (prednisone) or thyroid medications
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Smoking and alcohol abuse
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Medical conditions like intestinal diseases, chronic kidney or liver disease
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Hormonal imbalance such as hyper-active thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
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Prolonged heavy metal exposure (lead, cadmium, etc.)
Osteoporosis in women is much more common than in men. However, men can also develop osteoporosis, especially with advancing age and poor lifestyle choices.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often known as a “silent disease” because it usually develops without noticeable symptoms. In most cases, people find out they have it only after a bone density test or a fracture.
One of the early signs can be a gradual loss of height caused by spinal compression fractures. These occur when weak vertebrae collapse and change shape from rectangular to triangular, leading to curved posture, back pain, and reduced height.
Importantly, osteoporosis does not cause pain unless a bone is fractured.
A bone density test is the standard way to diagnose osteoporosis. It is usually measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.
Osteoporosis is defined when bone density is 2.5 standard deviations below that of a healthy young adult.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Preventing osteoporosis involves adopting a bone-healthy lifestyle that includes:
1Weight-Bearing Exercises
Regular exercise stimulates bone strength and helps prevent bone loss. Effective exercises for elderly include:
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Brisk walking outdoors or on a treadmill
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Gentle aerobics
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Stair climbing
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Bicycling (less than 5 mph)
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Yoga and Stretching.
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Light weight training.
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Leisurely sports (table tennis, playing catch, fishing)
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Light yard and house work.
2 Calcium and Vitamin D-Rich Diet
Eating calcium-rich foods helps maintain bone density. Good sources include:
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Best sources are:
3 Lifestyle Modifications
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Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
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Limit long-term use of medications that weaken bones
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Women entering menopause should discuss osteoporosis screening with their doctor
In Summary
Preventing and managing osteoporosis relies on early diagnosis, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Maintaining strong bones with enough calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing activities can lower the risk of fractures. These steps help both men and women stay active and independent as they age.
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Further reading (External Links opens in new window):
≺≺- Harvard Health Publishing – Osteoporosis.
