Osteoporosis is a kind of bone disorder causing it to become very soft and brittle. Bones usually have honeycomb like structure; however, when osteoporosis occurs, the size of holes in the honeycomb structure become larger than normal and thus loose density and become brittle.
The body periodically generates new bones to replace the old and worn out ones. However, in osteoporosis, this does not happen. The body either fails to generate new bone or the breakdown is too rapid and abnormal.
There are multiple factors causing osteoporosis. Few of them have been discussed below:
Besides the above mentioned factors, there are a number of other parameters, such as age, gender and body frame that can make you equally susceptible to the disease. Old generation is more prone to this disease. Women; especially those who have a thin structure, can develop the disease. Health issues such as thyroid troubles can lead to osteoporosis at later stages.
Osteoporosis does not come up with vivid symptoms. The disease is a gradual process and at early stages you don't really identify weakening of your bones. It is only after a considerable period that you may experience symptoms of bone disorder:
It would be great to know the first sign of osteoporosis. However, as already mentioned, osteoporosis has no early symptoms. It is only when you test yourself, you may know that your bones are in a bad state.
Nevertheless, below mentioned are few of the subtle signals that can reveal a deteriorating bone health, or a probable Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis or any bone disorder can be diagnosed through a multiple of laboratory procedures. Some of them are:
Pre osteoporosis is known as osteopenia, a condition where a person has been detected with weak bones, but has not developed osteoporosis yet. A bone density test can detect osteopenia. People who are diagnosed with osteopenia gain an upper hand, as taking up measures to prevent osteoporosis is feasible.
Treatment of osteoporosis depends on how severe are your symptoms and the chances of your bone ruptures. Medication, diet and physical exercises together can help in treating the condition. However, if the associated risk is lower, medications may be skipped.
Medications sometimes are thought to bring about related side effects. Therefore, people who opt for early diagnosis through regular screening tests, can get treated through nutritional and lifestyle change without depending on medicines. However, for people diagnosed at later stages, drugs become inevitable.
Individuals suffering from osteoporosis need to opt for a well balanced diet. A good diet acts as an effective natural treatment for osteoporosis or any other bone disorder. Calcium and Vitamin D rich foods are mandatory to be included in the diet. Below suggested is an osteoporosis diet plan that may be useful:
Signs and symptoms related to osteoporosis that your child may show is no different from what you may exhibit. Visit a pediatric orthopedic surgeon if your child complains about the following:
There is no direct treatment for idiopathic/juvenile osteoporosis. If your child has reached this stage due to some other diseased condition, treating that disease can be a remedy. You will have to talk to your GP to know what you could do to minimize adversities and help your child lead a normal life. A good diet can definitely work miracles.
Preventing osteoporosis requires a life time of commitment. As already mentioned, osteoporosis does not come up with vivid symptoms at early stages. So, even when you are already having weakened bone, you may not know it. Therefore, taking care of your bone health right from the beginning is what can guarantee osteoporosis prevention.
Healthy eating habits - A good diet always provides necessary nutrients to your body that never lets your bones take a weak shape. It is important to know healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D required for your body depending on age group.
Regular exercises - Every individual needs to opt for some kind of physical activities to keep bones in a healthy state. A bit of jogging, yoga, sports etc. should be a part of our regular day to day life.
Being vigilant about your health status - Osteoporosis may develop as a result of some other health issues as well. Therefore, make efforts for knowing how the vital organs of your body are doing. Patients suffering from pancreatic troubles, thyroid disorders or have been detected with tumors in the past, need to opt for blood sugar testing, Thyroid testing and tumor or cancer screenings regularly can help to prevent these diseases from affecting your bone health.
Females need to opt for periodic health checkups - As women remain at a greater risk of this disease, bone density tests are performed as one of the mandatory tests in any of the screening packages offered by diagnostic centers. Opting for those can help guarantee osteoporosis prevention.
Teaching children about correct postures - Following a right posture is essential to not stress your bones unduly. Therefore, right from a tender age, you can take steps at teaching the right postures to your children, that can guarantee strong bones in future.
Osteoarthritis is a condition affecting bone joints. On the other hand, osteoporosis makes bones fragile. Although, both come with similar symptoms, they are in true sense two different medical conditions and varied causatives. Now, both these conditions do not work as causative factors for each other. However, your doctor will be at the best position to explain consequences. You can learn more about arthritis here.
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