Osteoporosis, also known as ‘porous bone’, is a disease in which bones get so brittle that they get fractured easily with the slightest stress or a fall. This disease occurs due to low bone mass and less bone turnover. Osteoporosis predominantly affects the hip, wrist, and spine, and though it is a multifactorial disorder, some underlying causes can be ascertained.
Causes
Researchers still haven’t been able to identify the exact cause of osteoporosis. People over 50 years old and those who are suffering from osteopenia tend to suffer from this disease. These people are susceptible to getting bone fractures easily.
Risk Factors
There are quite a number of risk factors for osteoporosis. Here are a few:
- Age: Osteoporosis occurs particularly in older people aged above 50. Research showed that more than 30% of people suffer from low bone density.
- Sex: Women are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis than men. The disease typically affects women after their menopause due to the sudden fall of sex hormones. Men whose testosterone levels have dropped due to the removal of the prostate are also at a greater risk.
- Calcium: Low calcium levels in the body can contribute to osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps in the absorption of dietary calcium within bones. If Vitamin D is low due to lesser exposure to sunlight, it may increase the risk of developing
Symptoms
- Bone pain and cramps
- Brittle fingernails
- Reduced grip strength
- Fractures
- Shortening of height
- Poor posture
Prevention
Osteoporosis can be prevented by following.
- Taking enough Calcium: Stipulated dietary calcium intake is essential in men and women to combat the risk of osteoporosis. Low-fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and soy products provide ample amounts of dietary calcium. If required, calcium supplements may be a good alternative. Intake of 1000 milligrams of calcium is necessary among people below age 50. Women above 50 and men above 70 require 1200 milligrams of dietary calcium.
- Sun-bathing: Sunlight causes biosynthesis of Vitamin D in the body. Exposure to sunlight for a limited amount of time is beneficial. If needed, Vitamin D can also be taken through supplements at 600-800 IU/day.
- Regular exercise: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and jumping, and strength training exercises for strengthening muscles and bones provide significant benefits in preventing osteoporosis.
Foods to Avoid
There are a few food items that can decrease the calcium in your bones and increase the chance of osteoporosis if consumed in excess. Some of them are:
- Salt
- Caffeine
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Wheat bran
Treatment
While there’s no cure for osteoporosis, a proper treatment plan can help you manage it. Treatment plans may include exercise, consuming vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications. Sex hormone therapy can also help to alleviate the condition in women.
If you are suffering from brittle bones and are looking for the best Osteoporosis treatment near you, then call us at 843-572-1600 or schedule an appointment today with our expert doctors.
Dr. William J. Weirs is a board-certified expert in the field of Emergency Medicine. He has been practicing for over 10 years, expanding his knowledge about various types of patients and clinical problems. Dr. Weirs is currently involved with fulltime consultation in integrative, functional, and environmental medicine. He is an expert in many types of allergy-related disorders and various kinds of autoimmune diseases.