Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

What is it?

This disease is a loss of bone density and strength that cause bones to become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist.

Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Osteoporosis is the result of a lack of calcium and other materials that promote healthy bones. It has no obvious symptoms. It affects women more often than men, and usually happens after menopause. Among the other risk factors of osteoporosis include:

• Family history
• Unhealthy diet
• Eating disorders
• Unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and not exercising

Tests

A doctor will diagnose osteoporosis by performing a physical exam, reviewing symptoms and medical history, and conducting a bone density test, X-rays and ultrasound tests.

Treatments

Treatments include:

• Taking anti-inflammatory medications
• Making lifestyle changes, such as those to diet or exercise level