Skip to main content

Can osteoporosis be cured? | The Physio Fix

Osteoporosis is more common among women than men
























Osteoporosis refers to weak and brittle bones. It is when your bones become fragile enough that they can easily be fractured or broken. It is defined as, " A chronic skeletal disease or bone disorder marked by low bone mass and decaying of bone tissue, resulting in increased breakability and proneness to fractures. Women are particularly at a greater risk of developing the disease after menopause but, men can get it too as they age. However, osteoporosis can develop at any age due to multiple factors but, it is more common among older adults. 
Often referred to as a "silent disease" because you might have no idea about its presence until you break a bone. Bone density generally peaks in your late 20s and starts declining gradually, after that. Bones are constantly going through a remodeling process i.e. old bone tissue is being broken down and replaced with a new bone. Osteoporosis is when bone breakdown occurs faster than the formation of new bone, leading to progressive loss of bone density as time passes. 
X-ray of a fractured shoulder

CAN OSTEOPOROSIS BE CURED?

Unfortunately, once osteoporosis has developed, it can neither be reversed nor cured. But, the good news is that the process of bone loss can be slowed down significantly to make your bones stronger and to improve the overall quality of life. This can be done by making a few lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking supplements that can help. The condition can be both prevented and managed by taking the following measures; 

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

Lifestyle modifications for managing osteoporosis include a calcium and vitamin-D-rich diet. Incorporating dairy products, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein into your diet would be highly beneficial. 
Physical activities such as walking, running, swimming, yoga, weight-bearing exercises, and strength training could play a significant role in slowing down the progression of disease along with improving your overall health and quality of life. 
Avoiding unhealthy habits such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption would help in slowing down bone mass loss and prevent the weakening of bones. 
To prevent falls in older adults, improving home safety by removing all the tripping hazards and using good lighting is crucial. 10 best ways to prevent falls in older adults. 

Regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of osteoporosis in older adults

SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATION

Take calcium and vitamin D supplements for improving bone health along with Magnesium and Vitamin K that help in directing calcium to the bones. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any of these supplements. 
Medications for osteoporosis can include, Anti-resorptive drugs such as calcitonin, bisphosphonates, monoclonal antibodies, and Anabolic agents to stimulate new bone growth.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

HRT is most commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis in women experiencing menopause. It helps in managing the symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones that your body is no longer producing. There are two major types of hormone replacement therapy, including; 
  • Estrogen-only HRT
  • Combined HRT
Estrogen-only HRT is usually performed in women who have had hysterectomy i.e. removal of the uterus. It can be delivered in multiple ways such as oral pills, skin patches, gels, or vaginal creams. It is generally considered safe but, you must consult a healthcare professional before beginning the treatment. 
In some cases, HRT may involve the administration of progesterone and progestin along with estrogen. It is referred to as combined hormone replacement therapy and is particularly prescribed if you still have your uterus.



FAQs

Are osteoporosis drugs safe?

The safety and risks of osteoporosis drugs depend upon your health condition, age, and severity of disease. Generally, most of these drugs are safe to use because their benefits outweigh their risks. However, some common side effects may include, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, and leg cramps. Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of formation of blood clots and stroke. 
It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking any medication for osteoporosis. 

How osteoporosis is diagnosed?

Bone density scan ( DEXA scan) is so far considered the best available method for diagnosing early osteoporosis. By measuring your bone mineral density and comparing it with that of a healthy young adult, it determines your bone health status which indicates whether you have developed the disease or not. 
Other ways may include, blood tests to measure the levels of calcium, vitamin D, and other related hormones. 

Why osteoporosis is more common in females?

Increased risk of developing osteoporosis in women, particularly depends on certain hormonal changes in their body. Estrogen hormone plays a significant role in the maintenance of bone health. Menopause in women results in declination of estrogen levels resulting in accelerated loss of bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis. Other factors that may contribute to the development of bone-related disorders include smaller and thinner bone structures as compared to men and increased exposure to age-related bone loss due to longer life spans. 

Can osteoporosis cause pain?

Yes, it can cause back pain i.e. a common complication of osteoporosis. You may experience pain in other areas of your body due to a fracture from a fall or even a sneeze as the bones become very weak and fragile. 

Can osteoporosis kill you?

Osteoporotic fractures can lead to severe pain, loss of mobility, increased risk of infections, and blood clots. These complications can prove fatal for older adults therefore, it is important to prevent and manage osteoporosis effectively to maintain bone health and longevity of life. However, the disease itself cannot cause death, directly. 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FALL PREVENTION:WAYS TO PREVENT FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS | The Physio Fix

 SCREENING FOR FALL RISK As people age, the risk of sustaining a harmful fall increases significantly. Falls pose a severe threat to the health and well-being of older adults, often leading to certain types of injuries, decreased mobility, and reduced quality of life. It is therefore important to address this critical issue through that this critical issue be addressed through a versatile approach including both preventative measures and responsive care. Older Adults-Our National Heroes Falls are a result of multiple factors, both intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. THE INTRINSIC FACTORS MAY INCLUDE: Decreased sensory system function Decreased postural control and balance  Increased reactions to single or multiple medications Usage of certain types of drugs that cause delays in sensory system function Muscle weakness Visual changes Chronic health conditions THE EXTRINSIC FACTORS INCLUDE: Environmental hazards Use of defective safety devices Social isolation  Use of de...
Post a Comment
Read more

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) | The Physio Fix

  TUBERCULOSIS: REMAINS A PERSISTENT YET SIGNIFICANT GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE  A contagious infection spread by a bacterium i.e.  Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ,  still continues to cause suffering to millions worldwide, posing an alarming challenge to the public health authorities and medical health professionals around the globe. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can spread to other organs and tissues in the body as well.  However, TB i.e. a bacterial infection remains the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries where healthcare resources and facilities are limited. The Public health initiatives focus on early diagnosis and prompt treatment, BCG vaccination to prevent and control the spread of TB and reduce its impact on global health. TB primarily affects the  lungs CONTENTS 1. Definition 2. Signs & Symptoms 3. Stages of TB    3.1 Primary TB    3.2 Latent TB    3.3 Active TB ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SCIATICA-Symptoms & Treatment FAQs

Sciatica causes discomfort and pain during walking Sciatica is a condition characterized by the presence of sharp, shooting,, or burning pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg. It can simply be defined as the pain going down the leg which typically originates from the lower back. It is primarily a symptom, not a disease or complication. Usually occurs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body which extends through the buttocks and down the lower limb and provides sensory and motor functions to the legs and foot. It originates from the lumbosacral plexus ( L4 to S3 are the involved nerve roots, respectively). CAUSES OF SCIATICA Sciatica can be caused by any condition that irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve or any of the five spinal nerve roots that combine to form the sciatic nerve ( i.e. L4-S3) .  The main causes of sciatic...
Post a Comment
Read more