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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Information
Osteoporosis may be described as a disease that affects the bones. People with osteoporosis may have thin or brittle bones. There may be many holes inside of the bones, mirroring the image of a sponge. This may make bones easily breakable, which may have a negative impact on an individual's quality of life. Fractures in the hips, wrists or spine may be possible.
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Osteoporosis may be most common in people over the age of 60, and may affect more woman than men. Osteoporosis may be caused by a lack of bone density or strength. Thinning bones may come naturally with age, but other causes may be responsible for the extreme bone thinning associated with osteoporosis.
Smoking, not getting adequate exercise, excessive consumption of alcohol and a lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous may place an individual at greater risk for developing the disease. Family history, a slender body frame and getting older may also place individuals at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis.
The first symptom of osteoporosis may be a broken bone in the hip, spine or wrist. The disease may have progressed very far by the time the patient or doctor notices the disease. Other signs of osteoporosis may include back pain and a curved backbone. People with osteoporosis may not be as tall as they used to be.
In diagnosing the disease, a doctor may perform a physical exam and take a medical history for the patient. Certain tests may measure bone thickness or bone density in the individual.
Treating osteoporosis may be done using medications to treat bone loss and build bone thickness. Other medications may also be used to treat pain associated with the disease and any fractures experienced as a result of osteoporosis. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended by a health care professional for people suffering from osteoporosis. Quitting smoking, getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet may also help to treat the disease.
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Smoking, not getting adequate exercise, excessive consumption of alcohol and a lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous may place an individual at greater risk for developing the disease. Family history, a slender body frame and getting older may also place individuals at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis.
The first symptom of osteoporosis may be a broken bone in the hip, spine or wrist. The disease may have progressed very far by the time the patient or doctor notices the disease. Other signs of osteoporosis may include back pain and a curved backbone. People with osteoporosis may not be as tall as they used to be.
In diagnosing the disease, a doctor may perform a physical exam and take a medical history for the patient. Certain tests may measure bone thickness or bone density in the individual.
Treating osteoporosis may be done using medications to treat bone loss and build bone thickness. Other medications may also be used to treat pain associated with the disease and any fractures experienced as a result of osteoporosis. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended by a health care professional for people suffering from osteoporosis. Quitting smoking, getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet may also help to treat the disease.
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