Curıosıtıes About Bone Thınnıng (Osteoporosıs)

Prof. Dr. Betül Okuyan

"Bone Thinning (osteoporosis) is a preventable and treatable disease."

Curıosıtıes About Bone Thınnıng (Osteoporosıs)

Title:

| What is Osteoporosis (Bone Thinning)? | Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis? | What Measures Should Be Taken to Prevent Osteoporosis? | How Can Falls Be Prevented in Individuals with Osteoporosis? | What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Osteoporosis? | What Lifestyle Changes Are Recommended for Preventing Osteoporosis? | What Does Osteoporosis Treatment Include?

What is Osteoporosis (Bone Thinning)?

Bone thinning (osteoporosis) weakens your bones. This weakening of the bones can lead to fractures from minor trauma that would not normally cause a break (e.g., a mild ankle sprain). These fractures can occur in the hip, spine, or wrist and ankle. Particularly, hip fractures can make it difficult to walk independently and may even require admission to a care facility. To prevent these issues, osteoporosis should primarily be prevented, and if diagnosed, managed with an effective and reliable treatment plan.

Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

This disease can develop in postmenopausal women and individuals aged 65 and older, both men and women. Osteoporosis can occur in both men and women. Worldwide, one in three women over the age of fifty and one in five men will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis.

What Measures Should Be Taken to Prevent Osteoporosis?

Necessary precautions (such as assessing risk factors, healthy diet programs, and regular exercise) should be taken. To check if any common risk factors apply to you, click on the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Osteoporosis Risk Test. Consult health professionals for any questions. Some medications can also cause osteoporosis. Consult your doctor and pharmacist to determine if any of your medications could be contributing to osteoporosis.

How Can Falls Be Prevented in Individuals with Osteoporosis?

Strategies to reduce fall risk can help minimize the likelihood of falling. A safe home environment should be ensured. Ensure that rugs in the home have non-slip backing. Eliminate hazards like cords that could cause tripping. Proper indoor lighting is essential. Opt for comfortable shoes and slippers with rubber soles to prevent falls. Do not neglect eye exams. Some medications can cause dizziness or increase fall risk. Consult your doctor and pharmacist to evaluate if any of your medications may contribute to fall risk.

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can progress silently, and many individuals may not be aware they have it until they experience a fracture. To diagnose osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD) measurement may be necessary if recommended by your doctor. This measurement is done using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The amount of mineral per square centimeter (g/cm2) in your bones is measured. This result is compared to the average BMD of a healthy, young individual of the same sex (20-29 years old). Based on these results, a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia can be made by your doctor. FRAX®, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), can assess the 10-year probability of a hip fracture and a major osteoporotic fracture.

What Lifestyle Changes Are Recommended for Preventing Osteoporosis?

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important. If not sufficiently obtained from food, calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used with your doctor's recommendation. Regular exercise (e.g., walking or running) is recommended. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake are advised.

What Does Osteoporosis Treatment Include?

Effective, affordable, and reliable medications are available for treating osteoporosis. It is important to use the medications prescribed by your doctor regularly and correctly to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not stop your medication without consulting your doctor and pharmacist. Adjustments to the treatment plan can be made based on regular BMD measurements during follow-up visits.

Referanslar

1. International Osteoporosis Association. Accessed 3 May 2024

2. Patient education: Osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone mass) (The Basics)

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