Osteoporosis…The "Silent Disease"

The How, Why and What of Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone that may occur as you age. It is a disease of the skeletal system in which the amount of calcium present in the bones slowly decreases to the point where the bones become brittle and prone to fracture. There is a much greater risk they will break if you fall or have an otherwise minor injury. Medical complications of these injuries can result in longer stays at the hospital, disability, and even death. Although Osteoporosis occurs most often in older people, it can develop at any age. Women are four times more likely than men to develop Osteoporosis because they usually have smaller, thinner bones and lose bone rapidly after menopause. Men also develop Osteoporosis, especially after age 65. Whites and Asians are at higher risk, but Blacks and Hispanics can also get the disease.

How does it occur?

Osteoporosis often occurs as women get older. Sex hormones help keep bones strong. The hormone estrogen helps women's bones stay strong. Hormones deposit calcium in the bones. While men continue to produce testosterone, their sex hormone, as they get older, women produce much less estrogen after menopause. Surgical removal of the ovaries and intense exercise (such as marathon running) can also reduce estrogen levels. The lower levels of estrogen cause a weakening of the bones.

Osteoporosis can also occur as a result of hormone disorders or prolonged bed rest during serious illness. It may appear with osteomalacia, a condition in which the bones soften and weaken from lack of vitamin D.

Other possible causes include an imbalance in the body's natural acidity or a loss of phosphate. Too much aluminum hydroxide, a pharmaceutical used to treat ulcers, in the body can also cause bone loss.

Women who smoke or are physically inactive are at a greater risk of developing Osteoporosis. Too little calcium in the diet or a family history of Osteoporosis are other risk factors.

What are the symptoms?

Osteoporosis often sneaks up on people, which is why it is called the "silent disease." Symptoms may not appear until it is well advanced. Then effective treatment becomes more difficult.

• Severe backaches
• An increasingly stooped posture
• A broken bone (The hip, arm, wrist, and spine are common places for breaks)

Because these first signs can mean advanced Osteoporosis, it is a good idea to get a bone density test before you have symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider may discover you have Osteoporosis from a x-ray taken for some other problem. Otherwise, the diagnosis might be made from a review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and x-rays and blood tests. If you are in a high-risk category, your provider may order tests that measure the density of the bones in your forearm and spine.

How long will the effects last?

The risk of a broken bone resulting from Osteoporosis increases with age. Once menopause begins, most women, especially Caucasian and Asian women, need to take precautions for the rest of their lives to prevent Osteoporosis.

What can you do to reduce your risk of injury?

You can reduce the risk of injury and broken bones if you:

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid unusually vigorous physical activity; build your activity level gradually.
• Wear proper footwear: low-heeled shoes with non-slippery soles for walking and suitable shoes for sports and recreation. Make sure the soles of your shoes don't catch on carpeted surfaces.
• Use support for walking, such as a cane, if you need it.
• Maintain a safe, well-lit, and uncluttered home to help prevent falls.
• Avoid icy, wet, or slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Use nonskid mats in the shower and bathtub.

How can you take care of yourself?

Follow the treatment prescribed by your health care provider. In addition, you can:

• Eat healthy foods
• Do weight bearing physical activity
• Take a daily calcium supplement if your physician recommends it

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