Osteoporosis develops when bone density decreases.
The body reabsorbs more bone tissue and produces less to replace it.
In people with osteoporosis, the bones become porous and weaker, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae, and some peripheral joints, such as the wrists.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) estimate that over 44 million people in the United States currently have osteoporosis.
In this article, we look at how to treat osteoporosis, what causes it, and how a doctor diagnoses it.
Signs and symptoms
Breaking bones after falling lightly may be a sign of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis develops slowly, and a person may not know they have it until they experience a fracture or break after a minor incident, such as a fall. Even a cough or sneeze can cause a break in osteoporotic bones.
Breaks will often occur in the hip, wrists, or the spinal vertebrae for people who have osteoporosis.
If a break occurs in the spinal vertebrae, it can lead to changes in posture, a stoop, and curvature of the spine. People might also notice a decrease in height or their clothes may not fit as well as they did previously.
When to see a doctor
Severe discomfort in any of the common locations for osteoporotic bone damage could indicate an unexpected or unidentified fracture.
People should seek medical evaluation as soon as they notice this type of pain.
Causes:
Doctors have identified several risk factors for osteoporosis. Some are modifiable, but it is not possible to avoid others.
The body continually absorbs old bone tissue and generates new bone to maintain bone density, strength, and structural integrity.
Bone density peaks when a person is in their late 20s, and it starts to weaken at around 35 years of age, As a person grows older, bone breaks down faster than it rebuilds. Osteoporosis may develop if this breakdown occurs excessively.
It can affect both males and females, but it is most likely to occur in women after menopause because of the sudden decrease in estrogen. Estrogen normally protects women against osteoporosis.
The IOF advises that once people reach 50 years of age, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience fractures due to osteoporosis.
Risk factors
• Age: Risk increases after the mid-30s and especially after menopause.
• Reduced sex hormones: Lower estrogen levels appear to make it harder for bone to regenerate.
• Ethnicity: White people and Asian people have a higher risk than other ethnic groups.
• Height and weight: Being over 5 feet 7 inches tall or weighing under 125 pounds increases the risk.
• Genetic factors: Having a close family member with a diagnosis of hip fracture or osteoporosis makes osteoporosis more likely.
• Fracture history: A person over 50 years of age with previous fractures after a low-level injury is more likely to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Medical conditions that increase the risk include:
• some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• Cushing’s syndrome, an adrenal gland disorder
• pituitary gland disorders
• hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism
• a shortage of estrogen or testosterone
• problems with mineral absorption, such as celiac disease
Prevention
Certain alterations to lifestyle can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D intake
Dairy products are a plentiful source of calcium, which can help a person reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium is essential for bones. People should make sure they consume enough calcium daily.
Adults aged 19 years and above should consume 1000 mg of calcium a day. Women who are over 51 years of age and all adults from 71 years onward should have a daily intake of 1,200 mg.
Dietary sources include:
• dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
• green leafy vegetables
• fish with soft bones, such as tinned salmon and tuna
• fortified breakfast cereals
If a person’s calcium intake is inadequate, supplements are an option
Vitamin D also plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis as it helps the body absorb calcium. Dietary sources include fortified foods, saltwater fish, and liver.
However, most vitamin D does not come from food but from sun exposure, so doctors recommend moderate, regular exposure to sunlight.
Lifestyle factors
Other ways to minimize the risk are:
• avoiding smoking, as this can reduce the growth of new bone and decrease estrogen levels in women
• limiting alcohol intake to encourage healthy bones and prevent falls
• getting regular weight bearing exercise, such as walking, as this promotes healthy bones and strengthens their support from muscles
• exercises to promote flexibility and balance, such as yoga , which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures
For people who already have osteoporosis, nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention techniques play a key role in reducing the risk of fracture and the rate of bone loss.
Fall prevention
Tips for fall prevention include:
• removing trip hazards, such as throw rugs and clutter
• having regular vision screenings and keeping eyewear up to date
• installing grab bars, for example, in the bathroom
• ensuring there is plenty of light in the home
• practicing exercise that helps with balance, such as tai chi
• asking the doctor to review medications, to reduce the risk of dizziness
Diagnosis
A doctor will consider family history and any risk factors. If they suspect osteoporosis, they will request a bone mineral density scan (BMD).
Bone density scanning uses a type of X-ray known as Dual – energy- X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Complications
As bones become weaker, fractures occur more frequently, and, with age, they take longer to heal.
This can lead to ongoing pain and loss of stature as bones in the spine begin to collapse. Some people take a long time to recover from a broken hip, and others may no longer be able to live independently.
Anyone concerned that they may be at risk of osteoporosis should ask their doctor about screening.
Homeopathic medicines for Osteoporosis
Here are the few mediucines which will be indicated in osteoporsis
• Calcarea Phosphorica:
Excellent remedy in homeopathic treatment for Osteoporosis where there is excess curvature of spine. Patient has weakness and brittleness of bones and is unable to appropriately support the body leading to bending of bones.
• Calcarea Flourica:
Of use in homoepathic treatment for Osteoporosis by promoting calcium absorption in the body. Cracking in the joints. Easy dislocations of joints. Enlargements of bone with or without caries, particularly of traumatic origin. Has got action on long bones.
• Silicea:
Especially suited in homeopathic treatment for Osteoporosis to people who have a fragile appearance and weak spine. Injuries and fractures take a long time to heal.
• Symphytum:
Of great use in the healing process when fractures occur. It strengthens the bones and takes care of the pain in old fractures that have healed.
Watch how to prevent it and share with your loved ones.
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For inquiries or consultation: 8866877070
Dr. Mansi Joshi
Asst. Physician – Tathya Homeopathic Clinic