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).
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
Osteoporosis FAQs
Q1: What is osteoporosis?
Ans: Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to fracture.
Q2: Why are people with osteoporosis at greater risk of injury?
Ans: Because their bones are weak and more prone to fractures.
Q3: When does osteoporosis develop?
Ans: Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than is replaced.
Q4: Which bones are most commonly affected by fractures due to osteoporosis?
Ans: The hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist are most commonly affected.
Q5: Which supplements are commonly recommended for osteoporosis?
Ans: Calcium and vitamin D supplements are commonly recommended.
