Osteoporosis is a disease marked by reducing bone mass, density, and quality. This makes bones weak and brittle. If left unchecked, it can lead to broken bones. Breaks of special concern are of the hip, spine, and wrist. But, they can happen anywhere.
The loss of bone faster than it is formed causes osteoporosis. Bone loss happens faster after age 30. There are many factors over a lifetime that can lead to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is more common in:
It’s more likely to happen if full bone mass was not reached during your bone-building years.
Your chances are also higher for:
In most cases, people with osteoporosis don’t know they have it until a bone breaks. If symptoms appear, they may cause:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have:
Care mainly involves lifestyle changes and medicines. The goal is to lower the chance of breaks and slow bone loss.
Lower your intake of alcohol. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is in:
Don't smoke. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about ways you can successfully quit.
Exercise improves bone health. It also increases muscle strength and balance. Weight-bearing and strength-training offer the best benefits for your bones. Balance training may help lower the chances of falls and breaks.
People who do not eat enough calcium and vitamin D from foods may need supplements. Don’t take them without talking to your doctor first.
Falls can raise the chance of breaks in someone with osteoporosis. Here are ways to lower your chances of falls:
Certain medicines can help prevent bone loss, increase bone density, and lower your risk of breaks. These may include:
Building strong bones throughout your early years is the best defense. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise can keep bones strong throughout life.
Other ways you can lower your chances:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Osteoporosis Canada
Women's College Hospital—Women's Health Matters
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Osteoporosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113815/Osteoporosis. Updated February 1, 2018. Accessed June 22, 2018.
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10/6/2006 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113815/Osteoporosis: Cockayne S, Adamson J, Lanham-New S, et al. Vitamin K and the prevention of fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(12):1256-1261.
1/30/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115979/Glucose-lowering-medications-...-type-2-diabetes: Loke YK, Singh S, Furberg CD. Long-term use of thiazolidinediones and fractures in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2009;180(1):32-39.
12/29/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113815/Osteoporosis: Hippisley-Cox J, Coupland C. Predicting risk of osteoporotic fracture in men and women in England and Wales: prospective derivation and validation of QFractureScores. BMJ. 2009;339:b4229.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcie L. Sidman, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.