Osteoporosisis a medical condition that leads to weakening of the bone structure in your body.
Bone has a lattice-shaped structure, much like a honeycomb.
Because of this weakening, bones can be broken with minimal trauma.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Unless a complication such as a fracture occurs, there is little warning that osteoporosis exists.
These signs are known as risk factors for the development of osteoporosis.
Bone density tests use radiation exposure to assess bone.
Bone density tests are painless and non-invasive.
They can be used to help guide treatments and help predict the likelihood of fracture.
A number of lifestyle modifications are effective.
The options include:
The ideal medication may be different for different individuals.
While these medications can be effective at increasing bone density, they also havepossible side effects.
An open discussion with your healthcare provider can help you understand the pros and cons for your specific situation.
Preventing Complications
Broken bones are the often theend result of osteoporosis.
The goal of treatment is to prevent sustaining a broken bone, especially a broken hip.
The major problem with osteoporosis is that it increases your chance of sustaining a fracture.
Most osteoporosis-related fractures occur as the result of injuries and falls around the house.
Compston JE, Mcclung MR, Leslie WD.Osteoporosis.
2019;393(10169):364-376. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32112-3
Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.
2001;285(6):785-95. doi:10.1001/jama.285.6.785
National Osteoporosis Foundation.What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It?
National Osteoporosis Foundation.What Women Need to Know.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Bone health and osteoporosis.
Varner JM.Osteoporosis: a silent disease.
2012;39(3):10-1.
Cauley JA.Defining ethnic and racial differences in osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Clin Orthop Relat Res.
2011;469(7):1891-9. doi:10.1007/s11999-011-1863-5
Lewiecki EM.Clinical applications of bone density testing for osteoporosis.
2005;96(5):317-30.
Demontiero O, Vidal C, Duque G.Aging and bone loss: new insights for the clinician.
Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis.
2011;64(1):46-53. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.07.007
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
