Posted On: 2023-10-20 10:16:34
20th October is annually observed as World Osteoporosis Day by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, a Swedish NGO functioning as a global alliance of individuals and organizations concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal bone disease. The goal of the foundation is to increase the early detection of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases, as well as to improve the treatment of these conditions through international collaboration among national healthcare systems and governments.
World Osteoporosis Day is dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. The theme for this year is “Build Better Bones”, intending the significance of leading a bone-healthy lifestyle as the foundation for strong bones and a fracture-free future.
According to the National Institute of Health, Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of broken bones (fractures).
In India, osteoporosis was found in 8 to 62% of women and 8.5 to 24.6% of men. Meaning, that quite a significant proportion of the population is suffering from bone-related issues.
In this article, we will look at some of the signs of osteoporosis, along with the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Osteoporosis is characterized by the weakening of the bones, and hence its symptoms are also related to pain in bones. Some symptoms of the disease are:
There are various causes for one to develop osteoporosis. These range from unchangeable to lifestyle choices. These are some of the causes:
Unchangeable risks
Sex: Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men.
Age: The older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis.
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if your mother or father fractured a hip.
Body Frame Size: Men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they might have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
Hormone levels
Sex Hormones: Lowered sex hormone levels tend to weaken bone. The fall in estrogen levels in women at menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Treatments for prostate cancer that reduce testosterone levels in men and treatments for breast cancer that reduce estrogen levels in women are likely to accelerate bone loss.
Thyroid Problems: Too much thyroid hormone can cause bone loss. This can occur if your thyroid is overactive or if you take too much thyroid hormone medicine to treat an underactive thyroid
Other Glands: Osteoporosis has also been associated with overactive parathyroid and adrenal glands.
Dietary Factors
Low Calcium Intake: A lifelong lack of calcium plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
Eating Disorders: Severely restricting food intake and being underweight weaken bones in both men and women.
Gastrointestinal Surgery: Surgery to reduce the size of your stomach or to remove part of the intestine limits the amount of surface area available to absorb nutrients, including calcium. These surgeries include those to help you lose weight and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Other causes can be steroids or medications used for Seizures, Gastric reflux, Cancer and Transplant rejection or lifestyle choices like lack of physical exercise, high alcohol consumption and excessive tobacco use.
To prevent osteoporosis, one must:
Inculcate a diet of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Protein (Low-fat dairy, Leafy Green Vegetables, Fish and Fortified Juices, Milk, and Grains).
Engage in Physical Activity
Say No to Smoking
Limit Alcohol Consumption.
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, the doctor might prescribe you medications to slow done bone loss and/or rebuild bone.
Filaantro is committed to building a healthy society and actively raises funds for patients dealing with all diseases. If you are dealing with osteoporosis, you can start a fundraiser to fund your treatment.
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Make sure to share it with all your friends and family members.
AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad
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