Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more likely to fracture. It develops when bone resorption outpaces bone formation.
When osteoporosis sets in, the internal lattice-like structure of bone begins to deteriorate, leaving bone tissue that is less dense and more porous. This causes bones to lose strength and structural integrity.
Some key points about osteoporosis:
Who is at risk?
Those at highest risk for osteoporosis include:
What are the consequences?
Osteoporosis can lead to fractured bones, stooped posture, loss of height, and chronic bone or joint pain. Hip fractures are particularly serious, often requiring hospitalization and surgery. Many older adults fail to regain normal mobility after a hip fracture.
How is it prevented and treated?
Prevention starts early with building strong bones through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Weight-bearing exercise also plays a key role.
For those with osteoporosis, medications like bisphosphonates help slow bone loss. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and doing balance exercises to prevent falls also help manage the condition.
While osteoporosis cannot be cured, early intervention with medication and lifestyle improvements can strengthen bones and help maintain quality of life. Detecting low bone density before fractures occur gives the best chance to alter the disease course.
So in summary - osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and fracture more easily. It often develops "silently" and screening for low bone density allows early treatment to help strengthen bones before they deteriorate further. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing activity, and avoiding smoking/steroids help prevent bone loss in the first place.