6 Facts About Osteoporosis You Should Know

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton that can be due to reduced calcium content, vitamin D deficiency, or genetic factors. It occurs when the leg parts undergo wear in the internal microstructure, which reduces their density and support capacity. In this article, we give you 6 facts about osteoporosis you should know about.

If osteoporosis occurs, the  risk of fractures increases, and inflammatory reactions and intense pain are generated.

Although osteoporosis is a common condition in the elderly ,  some people can get it at an early age  due to injuries or habits that are harmful to the skeleton.

The most disturbing thing is that many people still do not know how serious it can be, and due to the lack of symptoms, they are unaware of osteoporosis as a fact.

Because of this , it is essential to know how osteoporosis develops. If you have any of the risk factors, you should consult your doctor.

Facts about osteoporosis

1. Risk factors

Weakening of the legs usually occurs due to low calcium and vitamin D uptake, especially as one gets older.

• Lack of these nutrients reduces bone density and can cause  fractures and permanent damage  when injuries or illness occur.

• This situation  can occur due to genetic factors. Although it is also associated with the hormonal changes that one undergoes in adulthood.
• Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol can also have an impact on the development of osteoporosis.
• Decreased estrogen levels during and after menopause are also a contributing factor.
• You are at greater risk of developing this disease if you suffer from anorexia or bulimia.

2. Symptoms

Unfortunately, this disease is known as a “silent enemy” – it shows no obvious symptoms until it becomes a more serious problem.

• Often,  one can find out when a person has a fracture  before they know they are suffering from this disease.

• This injury can occur without significant trauma or injury taking place.
• It is possible to suspect the presence of osteoporosis when a person shrinks 5 to 7 cm in height.
• Some people develop what is known as “humpback”,  a condition characterized by a curved posture.

3. Recognition

To detect the disease, a medical study called BMT (BMD), which consists of measuring bone mineral density, should be taken.

• It is a low-frequency X-ray that does not take long to undergo nor does it hurt.
• A scan of the spine and hip can give indications of a fracture.

• Regular x-rays of other bones are usually not as accurate to know if this condition exists.

4. Prevention

While there are many factors that can lead to the development of osteoporosis,  the continuous implementation of healthy habits is crucial to minimize the risks.

• Thus, it is essential to ensure optimal absorption of calcium and vitamin D by including foods that contain these vitamins in the diet.
• It is recommended to take 1000 mg of calcium every day for adults, and 1200 mg every day for women over 50 years and men over 70 years.
• You should limit your intake of sodium and saturated fats, as these prevent the absorption of calcium.
• It is important to increase your intake of magnesium, as it also helps to preserve bone density.

• Daily activity  is very beneficial, as it helps to strengthen the legs and improve coordination and balance.

5. Medicine to stop or reverse the problem

Today, there are medications to combat bone loss, which help avoid serious problems such as fractures.

• Among these are bisphosphonates, which counteract the breakdown of bone tissue by inactivating cells of the osteoclastic type, which absorb bone tissue.
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also recommended, especially when food intake is difficult.
• Estrogen therapy helps prevent and combat the disease in cases of menopausal women.

6. Side effects of treatment

Although medications for the treatment of this disease can be effective, it is important to know that, in most cases,  continuous use of them can cause side effects.

Among the side effects are:

• Muscle and joint pain.
• Damage to the esophagus.
• Heartburn.
• Arrhythmia and palpitations.

On the other hand, we should mention that although they can treat osteoporosis effectively, the medications mentioned above may have a “deadline” to take effect. This means that after about 3 years, it is necessary to analyze how much these medications have helped, and what negative effects they have had.

In some cases,  it is necessary to stop taking the medicine for a while  since continuous use is dangerous.