Jaime HayWhen a person has osteoporosis, their bones become fragile and more prone to breaking than they would be. However, until a fracture develops, this “silent illness” may go undetected. Unfortunately, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis causes about 2 million fractures annually in the United States. You can do several things to strengthen your bones, prevent osteoporosis, and lessen your risk of fractures. For instance, a compression fracture Shrewsbury may be caused by anything from a significant accident to something as innocuous as a sneeze or cough. But first, start by knowing the following myths:
Osteoporosis only occurs in elderly Caucasian women
Osteoporosis affects individuals of all ages, races, and sexes equally; however, it is more prevalent in women because of their naturally lighter bones and the abrupt decline in estrogen levels after menopause. In reality, men account for 80% of the disease’s cases or around 2 million males in the United States alone. Medical problems like rheumatoid arthritis, malabsorption, and drugs like glucocorticoids may also impact young people’s bone health.
There is no reason to be concerned till you are older
People of a certain age are more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone loss and brittleness. However, people of younger generations should be aware of the danger of osteoporosis. Recognizing the need to protect bone health is essential if a patient has incurred a fracture or has a family history of fractures caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis risk factors include smoking and high alcohol intake, inactivity, being underweight, vitamin D insufficiency, and experiencing menopause before age 45.
All bone fractures result from a fall
While a fall often results in a fracture, brittle bones may shatter completely. People might suffer from what is known as “spontaneous fractures.” The strain of only one person leaning over the bed of a flatbed truck was enough to crack it. Walking itself may cause a stress fracture in the foot for those with osteoporosis. Some persons with broken hips will insist they didn’t fall, saying things like, “I heard it, and I felt it, but I didn’t fall.”
Taking calcium supplements will prevent osteoporosis
While calcium intake is undoubtedly linked to better bone health, this is not the case merely by increasing calcium intake. More than just calcium is necessary to keep your bones healthy. You can’t benefit from calcium at all without some of those other elements. The body only absorbs calcium from food at a rate of 10–15% if vitamin D levels are low; this rate rises to 30–40% at optimal levels. Magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C, boron, strontium, etc., are also essential for strong bones.
When a patient has osteoporosis, they may experience specific symptoms
One of the most aggravating aspects of osteoporosis is that you probably won’t realize you have it until you break something. Fractures, no matter how slight, may do serious physical harm. Patients of advanced age or those with other substantial risk factors, such as premature menopause, may be advised to undergo bone densitometry for early identification of osteoporosis.
The effects of osteoporosis on quality of life are wide-ranging, from inconveniences in daily activities to the need for medical attention and, in the worst cases, premature death. Osteoporosis consequences may be mitigated with the proper preventative care and therapy.
Hugh Hay
