Osteoporosis generally means 'porous bone', is a condition in which the bones become thin and lose their strength, as they become less dense and of reduced quality. This can lead to fractures, which cause pain, disability, and make daily activities very difficult. Osteoporosis can be experienced by anyone, including children and adults. However, this condition is more common in women who have entered menopause. This is caused by reduced levels of estrogen which plays an important role in maintaining bone density.

Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is caused by a decreased ability of the body to regenerate bones. This has an impact on reducing bone density. The decline in this regeneration ability will usually begin when a person enters the age of 35 years. Lack of calcium intake needed by bones is the main cause of osteoporosis cases, especially in Indonesia. In addition to this malnutrition problem, there are also several other triggering factors that need to be watched out for, namely:

  • Sex hormones. Low estrogen levels and menopause can cause osteoporosis in women. Whereas in men, low testosterone levels can cause osteoporosis.
  • Anorexia nervosa.
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Age or degenerative process
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Smoking and consuming alcohol, soda, caffeine
  • Overweight
  • Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
  • Taking long-term drugs that can affect bone strength
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Lack of routine physical activity

 

Facts You Need to Know

  • Osteoporosis is a condition in which the quality, quantity and strength of bones are reduced, making them more prone to fracture.
  • One in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will have a fracture due to osteoporosis.
  • This is a serious condition, but it can be treated. You can help prevent osteoporosis through a good diet and lifestyle.
  • If you break a bone (eg wrist) after a fall from a height, this could be a sign that you have osteoporosis.

 

Osteoporosis Myth

In addition to the facts that need to be known above, there are also various myths about osteoporosis circulating in the community. The myth is not entirely true and also not completely wrong so you have to be selective in understanding it.

 

  1. Osteoporosis Only Affects Older Women

Although the majority of patients undergoing osteoporosis treatment are older women, osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, can affect people of all ages and genders, including men. In fact, by age 50, nearly 18% of men will have osteopenia (or "pre-osteoporosis" as it's called elsewhere). Unfortunately, women may be more prone to complications associated with this condition, so everyone should discuss with their primary care & rheumatology provider about screening, treatment and preventive measures.

  1. Prevent Osteoporosis By Only Drinking Milk

Calcium is one of the main minerals that contribute to bone density and growth. It takes Vitamin D to metabolize properly and efficiently in the body, which is why you see many dairy products fortified with Vitamin D. Many people don't get the right amount of calcium each day, which is 1,000 mg for women and 1,200 mg for men. It is very important to find a balance, because too much calcium can be harmful to the body.

However, calcium alone will not prevent osteoporosis. A healthy dose of calcium should be combined with weight lifting and regular exercise to build good bone density.

  1. Osteoporosis Patients Experience Symptoms

Unfortunately, the symptoms of osteoporosis are "silent", meaning they are not visually visible in the early stages. Often, the first indication of the disease is when the patient has suffered a fracture. The hip and lower spine are especially prone to fracture after a fall, especially for older women. However, it's important to know that – even after a fracture – starting treatment is very important to reduce the chance that you will suffer another fracture in the future.

 

Source Article :

Arthritissj. 3 Osteoporosis Myths Debunked | Moorestown, NJ | ARBDA (arthritissj.com) (12 Oktober 2021).

International Osteoporosis Foundation( IOF). About Osteoporosis | International Osteoporosis Foundation(12 Oktober 2021).

Mayo Clinic. Osteoporosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic   (13 Oktober 2021)

NHS-UK. Osteoporosis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)   (13 Oktober 2021).

Source Picture :

https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/osteoporosis