Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone strength and mainly affects people who have a family history of the disease, who consume cigarettes, or who have rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, osteoporosis is more common in women after menopause, due to hormonal changes, and in men over 65 years of age.
In most cases, osteoporosis does not cause specific symptoms, but as the bones of people with osteoporosis become brittle and lose strength due to reduced calcium and phosphorus in the body, small fractures can occur. These fractures occur mainly in the vertebrae, thigh and wrist and can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- In addition.
- Fractures caused by osteoporosis can occur after a fall or physical exertion.
- So measures are needed to prevent these falls.
- Such as the use of non-slip footwear.
Osteoporosis is most common in the following situations
In addition, other diseases can cause osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism.
When symptoms of osteoporosis fractures appear, it is important to consult a doctor who may order an X-ray to see if a fracture actually exists and, depending on the severity and extent of the fracture, a CT or MRI may be required. . .
If your doctor suspects that the person has osteoporosis, he or she may order bone densitometry, which is used to check bone loss, that is, to determine if the bones are fragile. Learn more about how bone densitometry is performed.
In addition, your doctor will assess the person’s and family’s health history and may order blood tests to test the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which are reduced in osteoporosis, and also to assess the amount of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme. , which may have elevated osteoporosis values.
In rarer cases, when bone fragility is very severe and there are several fractures at the same time, your doctor may order a bone biopsy.
When identifying the presence of a fracture, the doctor will assess the severity and indicate treatment, such as immobilization of the affected area with splints, strips or plaster, and can also indicate rest only so that the body can recover the fracture.
Even if there is no fracture, when diagnosing osteoporosis, your doctor will prescribe bone-strengthening medications, physical therapy, regular exercise, such as walking or strength training, and eating calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. . Learn more about treating osteoporosis.
To avoid fractures it is necessary to take measures to avoid falls such as wearing non-slip shoes, avoid climbing stairs, installing handrails in the bathroom, avoid walking in places with gaps and inequities and keeping the environment well lit.
In addition, it is important to be more careful of people who, in addition to osteoporosis, also have other diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or visual disorders, as they are at increased risk of falling and suffering a fracture.