MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become increasingly fragile, brittle and break easily. According to the osteoporosis overview from the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 10 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. Heredity may play a role in determining who develops osteoporosis since it tends to run in families. The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

Osteoporosis - the "silent disease"

Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease since there are no symptoms to indicate that bone loss has occurred. People often do not realize that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Hip fractures are the most common and serious fractures associated with osteoporosis. As osteoporosis progresses and bone loss continues to occur, a person may notice a decrease in their height and may appear as though they are shrinking. This is due to increasing bone loss.

Osteoporosis can lead to spinal problems and deformity. Over time, osteoporosis can cause chronic pain and limited mobility. Osteoporosis causes the bones to become thinner as bone mass is lost often resulting in vertebral fractures of the spine. Deformities may result such as curvature of the spine. Since the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, it is important to use caution to avoid unnecessary fractures. As the bones become thinner and more fragile they can break easily by a simple fall, turn or twist.

Diagnosing osteoporosis

A common diagnostic tool for osteoporosis is the bone density test, which evaluates bone strength. Screening to measure bone mass loss should be performed on women age 65 or older. Women who are postmenopausal as well as anyone who has a family history of osteoporosis should be tested. It is estimated that women at the age of thirty-five begin to lose a small percentage of bone mass and the percentage grows greater as they age.

Treating osteoporosis

Treatment options consist of a variety of measures such as medications, diet and exercise. Early treatment can help prevent bone loss later in life. Calcium and vitamin D are imperative in maintaining strong, healthy bones and is often used in treatment from those who already suffer from the condition. Be sure to include sufficient dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese in your diet as well as orange juice. Exercise can also increase strength and bone density. Walking is a good form of exercise that can be done anywhere. However, if you already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, extra caution is advised when walking, climbing stairs or participating in activities where injury could result in a fracture.

About the author: Darlene Zagata

More about osteoporosis around the Web:

National Osteoporosis Foundation Support Center - Busy online community with discussion topics including diet, exercise, treatment options and related topics on osteoporosis and related conditions.

Osteoporosis Frequently Asked Questions - Excellent guide to facts, information and treatment options including advice on prevention with suggested high calcium and vitamin D foods, exercise tips, and related resources from womenshealth.gov.

Osteoporosis in Women: Keeping Your Bones Healthy and Strong - Good overview on prevention with additional information on drug treatment, common risk factors, with related features on healthy food choices and excersise.

also see in The Human Body -> The Skeletal System

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.