Five Things about Osteoporosis You Didn’t Know
Most people know that Osteoporosis is a disease of weakened bones. Losing bone mass makes bones less dense and more likely to fracture. Many think it’s a natural part of aging for women only, but it’s much more than that. Here are five things about osteoporosis you probably don’t know.
Men get Osteoporosis too.
Although it’s far more common in women, about 20-25% of men will experience a bone fracture due to reduced bone density sometime in their life. With men, osteoporosis usually develops after age 65, compared with women where signs begin to show as early as 50.
Osteoporosis may never show symptoms.
Particularly in the early stage, osteoporosis is completely pain free and shows no outward physical signs. The only diagnosis is a DEXA scan, a painless test that measures bone density. It’s recommended that a DEXA scan be repeated every two years after menopause.
Even if you’re symptom free, you should have your bone density checked. You don’t want your first symptom to be a broken leg or hip.
Osteoporosis is not part of normal aging.
Age is certainly a factor. Bone loss occurs for most people over time. That doesn’t necessarily mean you do have osteoporosis. Other factors include genetics, a lack of vitamin D, lack of exercise or high intake of caffeine or cigarette smoke. Some medications used to treat acid reflux or prostate cancer can cause bone loss as well.
Osteoporosis is important to young people too.
Having good exercise and nutrition at any age is important, and it also reduces your risk and the severity of osteoporosis later in life.
Calcium and Vitamin D are important to keep bones healthy. Your doctor can help you decide if a Calcium supplement is right for you. Most people get calcium from dairy or green leafy vegetables and Vitamin D from sunlight, but a supplement could still be needed.
You can regain bone mass.
As with other diseases, prevention is your best course of action. However, if you already have osteoporosis increasing exercise, Calcium and vitamin D will probably not be enough. Exercise and vitamins will help prevent further loss and could be combined with a variety of drugs designed to rebuild bone density.
While completely painless, keeping osteoporosis at bay is important to prevent painful and debilitating fractures. Treatment of broken bones is often a pre-cursor to more serious illness, particularly with seniors. Being immobile after a broken hip frequently leads to circulatory problems, edema, pneumonia and congestive heart failure.
Exercise, eat a balanced diet and avoid smoking. Women should get a DEXA scan after menopause and men should be scanned after 65.
For a free consultation on how home care can assist your loved one with Osteoporosis call Allegiance Home Healthcare at 888-367-0711.
