Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Latest News

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that afflicts tens of millions of people, and much-needed new treatments could be on the way after researchers discovered a key mechanism behind how exercise strengthens bones.

About Osteoporosis

• It is a disease in which your bones become weak and are likely to fracture (break). 
• People with osteoporosis are much more likely to experience broken bones (bone fractures).

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What Causes Osteoporosis?

• Your bones are made of living tissue. To keep them strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. 
• Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than replaced. 
• You lose bone mass, and changes happen in the structure of your bone tissue. This can happen as you get older. 
• Other risk factors can also lead to the development of osteoporosis or increase your chance of developing the disease.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

• It is called a “silent” disease because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. You may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone.  
• This could happen with any bone, but it’s most common in the bones of your hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.
• Once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include:
• Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine.
• Loss of height over time.
• A stooped posture.
• A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.

Osteoporosis Treatment

• Treatment for osteoporosis may involve:
• Making lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet and exercise routine
• Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Using medicines to strengthen bones.

Source: SA