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Osteoporosis |
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Content reviewed by Dr. M. Sudheer M.S (ortho) |
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What is Osteoporosis?
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| Osteoporosis (meaning porous bone) is a disease characterized
by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to
bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hips,
spine and wrist. |
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| What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis? |
| Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease, because bone
loss occurs wihout symptoms. People may not know that they have Osteoporosis,
until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes
a fracture of their bones, or the collapse of a vertebra. Collapsed vertebrae
may initially be felt as severe back pain, or seen as loss of height, or
a spinal deformity such as stooped posture. |
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| Are there risk factors predisposing to Osteoporosis? |
| The following have been found to be predisposing factors to
Osteporosis: |
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Small build
Caucasian or Asian ancestry
Female
Postmenopaual
Family history of Osteoporosis
Diet low in calcium
Anorexia nervosa
Low testosterone levels in men
Inactive lifestyle
Excessive use of alcohol
Smoking tobacco
Prolonged bedrest
Use of medications such as those for thyroid disease, anti-convulsants
or steroids
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| How can Osteoporosis be prevented? |
| Adequate Calcium intake, Exercise and Hormone Replacement Therapy
(HRT) after menopause, can prevent Osteoporosis. |
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| What is the amount of Calcium a person needs per day? |
| Men under 65 and women on hormone replacement therapy, require
1000mg of Calcium, along with Vitamin D, everyday. |
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| Why is Vit. D necessary along with Calcium? |
| Vit. D is necessary for the proper absorption of Calcium. Natural
sunlight is a good source of Vit. D. There are also many Vit. D supplements
now available (eg. alendronate) |
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| What are the foods rich in Calcium? |
| Dairy products, greens, vegetables and some types of fish are
rich in Calcium. |
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| Is exercise impotant in Osteoporosis? |
| Yes, exercise helps in strengthening the muscles that support
the body, preventing undue stress on the bones. In this way, regular fitness
exercises can prevent fractures. But a person with Osteoporosis should perform
the exercises only under the advise of a doctor. Weight-bearing and aerobic
exercises may be advised. |
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| How can Osteoporosis be diagnosed? |
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X-ray pictures reveal bone changes, if the bone mass is reduced by more
than 30%.
Measurement of bone density, laboratory tests, blood smear, urine tests,
etc. may all be requested for by the doctor.
Along with a physical examination, these results will help the doctor
come to a diagnosis of Osteoporosis.
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| What is the treatment for Osteoporosis? |
| Treatment for Osteoporosis is as follows: |
Diet: Daily intake of Calcium should equal 1000mg for
men and 1500mg for women who are not on hormone replacement therapy. Products
high in calcium include low fat milk, cauliflower, green vegetables, and
almonds. A glass of milk contains 300 mg of Calcium.
It is important to avoid products which impede Calcium absorption, like
red meat, alcohol, or caffeine.
Women could take soya and other products which are naturally rich in estrogens.
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| Smoking should be avoided. There is a 50% increased
risk of Osteoporosis in women who smoke. |
| Physical activity like walking, running, swimming and
other aerobic exercises should be done, for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a
week. |
Drugs:
Calcium supplements: Diet covers only one third of body's needs. So Calcium
and Vit. D may have to be taken as supplements. Calitonin improves bone
metablism and decreases bone pain.
Hormone replacement therapy may be advised for women, as estrogen
prevents bone loss.
Drugs are useful only as long as they are taken. That is why it is necessary
to take them on a long term basis.
Risk of bone fractures decreases by 50-90% after 5-10 years of therapy.
Estrogens are usually prescribed along with progesterone. HRT is
not advised for those with a predisposition to breast or uterine cancer.
Pain relievers may be advised to relieve the symtoms. |
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