Understanding Osteoporosis: What It Is and How to Take Action

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects the skeletal system. As this condition’s name translates as “porous bone,” it makes sense that osteoporosis weakens the strength and durability of bones, increasing the likelihood of the patient’s bones becoming fractured. This condition arises progressively and without a signal. While the condition can occur in both sexes, the elderly, especially postmenopausal women, are the most likely demographic of patients. If left untreated, this condition can pose a serious change to a person’s vitality and mobility.

The Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

There are no symptoms of osteoporosis and few people even know they may have it until one of their bones breaks. An osteoporotic fracture, also known as a “fragility fracture,” happens in circumstances where a healthy person would not have broken a bone. These sorts of fractures are most commonly found within the spine, ribs, hips, and/or wrists. Scenarios that could lead to a fragility fracture include falling while standing or daily exertions like bending, coughing, or lifting an object. “Established osteoporosis” is the clinical term for when a bone breaks due to osteoporosis.

The Day-to-Day Worries for an Osteoporotic Person

Fractures
Sharp, constant pain is often attributed to osteoporotic fractures in the elderly and can lead to further disability or even death.

• • If there is a fracture within a person’s spine, they will likely mention sudden back pain that often pairs with shooting pains. Rarely, these fractures will contribute to compression of the spinal cord. If multiple fractures occur within the spine, a person may suffer stooped posture, lost height, chronic pain, and reduced mobility (from acting to diminish pain).

• • Fractures within the long bones like the hips can sharply impair mobility and may necessitate a surgical response.

Risk of Falls
As previously stated, the elderly are more likely to develop osteoporosis and this is especially worrying given the increased likelihood of falling that rises with age. When every fall is effectively rolling the dice on potential damage to bones, and the chances of breaking something increase with osteoporosis, it is a serious concern. While the environmental influence on falling can be reduced by clearing a person’s area of loose rugs and obstacles, such external treatments can only help so much; osteoporosis care is a means of helping the situation from within.

Clarifying Osteoporosis Care and Treatment

Osteoporosis care is a comprehensive approach to the condition that helps to diminish the risk of fracturing bones while also restoring the strength and density of affected bones. Proper management of the condition can lead to an overall greater quality of life than some osteoporotic people may have had in years if not decades. The list below covers just some of the benefits of quality osteoporosis care.

• • Stronger, sturdier bone structure. The most essential element of caring for osteoporosis is to preserve and strengthen the density of the patient’s bone. Proper management can greatly stunt the progression of bone loss or possibly even reverse the loss, leading to less of a risk of fractures or breaks.

• • Stopping fractures. Quality care greatly diminishes the risk of fractures. Understandably, the stronger a given bone is, the less likely it is to break; the less likely a given bone is to break, the less likely the patient will have to suffer with pain or other limitations imposed by fractures.

• • Greater mobility. Strong bones help a person move about and cut down on the risk of falling. Strengthened bones mean that a person can go about their daily life without being so focused on the risks of falling and/or injuring themselves from a fall.

• • Less pain and anguish. Because osteoporotic fractures are quite painful to suffer through, osteoporotic care is also motivated to reduce the chances of a patient developing fractures.

• • A greater level of independence and happiness. Because the proper care and management of osteoporosis is focused on keeping patients as mobile and fracture-free as possible, patients can remain independent and live their lives on whatever their terms may be. Understandably, this also results in an increased level of happiness as the patient can enjoy their favorite physical activities with less inhibition from painful fractures and the like.

• • Lowered healthcare costs. Quality care and management of osteoporosis pays off in having less costly fractures, hospitalizations, and other medical expenses.

Management of this condition entails one or more medications, as well as adjustments to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. When consulting with Dr. Monize, you will receive insight into how to personalize you plan. By managing your osteoporosis, you can eventually enjoy all of the benefits listed above.

Examples of Osteoporosis Care

There are multiple elements to an osteoporosis management plan.Diet

The average adult should have a daily calcium intake of 1,000 mg; men over 70 and postmenopausal women should up this amount to 1,300 mg.Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial to bone structure because it helps the body absorb calcium. While humans receive most of their daily Vitamin D from sunlight, consuming eggs, fatty fish, and liver can help.Exercise

Weight-bearing exercises like dancing and jogging encourage bone density and improve balance to avoid a fall. Strength/resistance training exercises like squats and lunges are also important to bones because they can improve bone mineral density.Lifestyle Changes

Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine are all concerning elements.

• • Smokers have less bone density than non-smokers.

• • Excessive alcohol consumption can progress osteoporosis.

• • Excessive caffeine intake can counteract Vitamin D’s calcium-absorbing benefits.

Untreated osteoporosis can lead to a life of pain, reduced mobility, and reduced enjoyment of life but it is far from a death sentence. Proper osteoporosis care and management can help an osteoporotic person return to a life they may have had to give up on. If you desire more information about osteoporosis, managing it, or are interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Monize, click here.