What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a common condition that results from decreased bone mass. With lower mass, your bones can become so weak and brittle that even the slightest fall may cause a fracture.
Your bones are in a constant state of regeneration. As old bone tissue breaks down, your body replaces it with healthy new bone. As you grow older, your body loses bone mass faster than it can replace it.
Who gets osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. Of the estimated 10 million adults who have osteoporosis, more than 80% are women. Osteoporosis is especially common among older women, as about one in four women age 65 or older have osteoporosis.
What causes osteoporosis?
It’s normal for bone production to decline over time, but osteoporosis isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, including:
- Being a postmenopausal woman
- Having a small body frame
- Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking cigarettes
- Drinking too much alcohol
Certain diseases, such as inflammatory arthritis, can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is considered a silent disease because it has no symptoms. However, once your bones become weak and damaged, you may notice signs of osteoporosis, such as:
- Decrease in height
- Stooped posture
- Bones that fracture easily
Osteoporosis most often causes fractures in the spine, hip, and wrist. These fractures can cause severe pain and limit your ability to function on your own.
Because osteoporosis has no symptoms, it’s important to get a bone density scan, or DEXA, if you have risk factors for this disease. A DEXA test is the best way to measure your bone mineral density, which is used to diagnose osteoporosis.
How is osteoporosis treated?
If you have osteoporosis, Dr. Khaleghi develops an individualized treatment plan focused on preventing bone fractures. Depending on your needs, this may include:
Oral medications to prevent bone loss
- Injectable medications, such as ReclastⓇ
- Dietary changes, including more calcium and vitamin D
To learn more about preventing and treating osteoporosis, call Pacific Rheumatology Medical Center or book an appointment online today.
