What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone condition involving the loss of bone tissue with the lack of balance between formation of new bone and reabsorption of the existing bone in the body. The condition increases the risk of bone fracture particularly at the areas such as hip, spine and wrist.
Calcium and phosphate are two vital minerals which are required in the body for normal bone formation. These two minerals are needed particularly during youth for bone production. But insufficient calcium intake or inadequate calcium absorption from the diet creates hurdle for bone production and affects the bone tissue.
Calcium also plays a crucial role in the normal function of critical body organs like heart and brain. In case of insufficient calcium intake, the body has to maintain normal function of such critical organs with reabsorption of calcium from the bone. This process makes the bones weak, fragile and breakable.
Osteoporosis in men mainly occurs due to insufficient androgen while in women the insufficient estrogen leads to this condition. This problem is mostly found in women who are above 60 years of age. Menopause which causes drop in estrogen levels puts women at the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Bone loss in this age group also occurs for want of calcium intake and vitamin D. Inadequate weight-bearing exercises and changes in the functions of endocrine with aging process are the other causative factors.
Osteoporosis is also associated with overuse of corticosteroids and several other conditions such as the problem relating to thyroid, inadequate use of muscle and bone cancer. Certain genetic disorders also trigger this condition. Moreover certain medications also cause osteoporosis. Smokers, alcoholic persons and those leading sedentary life style are also at the higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis does not usually show symptoms in the beginning but after some times the bones particularly that at neck and lower back and muscles become painful. In the later stage the pain intensifies all of a sudden.
The indulgence of physical activity aggravates the condition by putting weight on the painful area. The pain may last for over three months.
Treatment
Treatment primarily aims to stop the loss of minerals, increase density of bones besides avoiding bone fractures and lessening the pain.
Following are some useful tips for treatment of osteoporosis:
Diet
For young adults, it is essential to get at least 1000 mg calcium every day through their diet so as to get the normal peak bone mass.
See a specialist
If you have fractured bones at your spine, hip or wrist, you must see an orthopedic surgeon who can manage the fracture. You will also need the help of a physical or occupational therapist who can guide you on how to perform exercises properly.
For instance, if you have spinal fractures your occupational therapist will advise you to perform exercises without touching your toes. You will also be advised not to do sit ups or lift heavy or weighty objects.
Exercise
Improve your lifestyle and make exercise as a regular and routine activity to avoid the chances of bone fractures associated with the condition of osteoporosis. Perform some weight-bearing exercises to maintain the normal body weight.
