osteoporosis

Osteoporosis 
Osteoporosis is a common condition where bones become weak, affecting both men and women, mainly as they grow older. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of osteoporosis. By doing so, you can avoid the often-disabling broken bones (fractures) that can result from this condition.
If you already have osteoporosis, new medications are available to slow or even stop the bones from getting weaker. These medicines also can decrease the chance of having a fracture.
Fast facts  

1. Age is not the only risk factor for osteoporosis. Lifestyle choices, certain diseases and even medications can lead to this condition.  
2.  A simple test known as a bone density scan can give important information about your bone health.
3.    Newer medications can slow and even stop the progression of bones getting weaker, and can help decrease fracture risk.   

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a “silent” condition where the bones are weak and prone to fracture.  
Bone is living tissue that is in a constant state of regeneration. That is, the body removes old bone (called bone resorption) and replaces it with new bone (bone formation). By their mid-30s, most people begin to slowly lose more bone than can be replaced. As a result, bones become thinner and weaker in structure.
Osteoporosis is silent because there are no symptoms (what you feel). It may come to your attention only after you break a bone. When you have this condition, a fracture can occur even after a minor injury, such as a fall. The most common fractures occur at the spine, wrist and hip. Spine and hip fractures, in particular, may lead to chronic (long-term) pain and disability, and even death. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is to prevent such fractures in the first place.

How is osteoporosis treated?

 If you have osteoporosis, your health care provider will advise the following:   

Calcium. Make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet or you might need to consider taking supplements. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 1,000 milligrams (shortened as mg) per day for most adults and 1,200 mg per day for women over age 50 or men over age 70. 

  Vitamin D. Get adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is important to help your body absorb calcium from foods you eat. The recommended daily dose is 400–800 International Units (called IU) for adults younger than age 50, and 800–1,000 IU for those age 50 and older. (These are the current guidelines from the National Osteoporosis Foundation in US) You may need a different dose depending on your blood level of vitamin D.

   Physical activity. Get exercise most days, especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking. 

Some people also will need medication. A number of medications are available for the prevention and/or treatment (“management”) of osteoporosis.