Osteoporosis usually sets in after 35. Doctors tell you how right treatment and slight change in eating habits can help cure the disease
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the quality and density of bones decrease. Symptoms of osteoporosis usually do not appear early. Our bones are made up of many types of minerals besides calcium, phosphorus and protein. But with irregular lifestyle and increasing age, these minerals start getting destroyed, due to which the density of bones starts decreasing and they start to weaken. Sometimes, the bones become so weak that even a small injury becomes a fracture.
Symptoms: While the initial condition does not show any specific symptoms of osteoporosis other than pain, but when fractures often occur even after a minor injury, it is a major sign of osteoporosis. In this disease, bones of the body like the spine, wrist and hand bone fracture quickly. Apart from this, getting tired very quickly, pain in the body again and again, especially in the morning, back pain are also its symptoms. Initially, there is mild pain in bones and muscles, but then gradually this pain increases. The pain intensifies especially when there is slight pressure in the lower back and neck.
Causes: There are several reasons for osteoporosis, including genetic, protein deficiency, vitamin D and calcium deficiency as a major cause, non-exercise, growing age, smoking, diabetes, thyroid and alcohol consumption. Apart from this, the use of seizure drugs and steroids can sometimes cause this problem. Drinking too many soft drinks, eating too much salt, and early termination of periods in women can also give a chance to spread this disease.
Risks: Osteoporosis risk factors increase with age. Normally it starts after the age of 35. Its factors can be seen in women who are deficient in sex hormones. Asians and Whites are more susceptible to conduct osteoporosis than other racial groups. People over 5 feet 7 inches in height may be at risk of osteoporosis. Genetic factors play an important role. The risk of osteoporosis increases if there is a family member already suffering from osteoporosis. If a person over 50 years of age with previous fractures after a low-level injury is more likely to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis examinations
Bone Mineral Density test: A BMD is done to check for osteoporosis. Apart from this, osteoporosis can also be detected by bone densitometry test or dual-energy X-ray obstruction (DEXA) DEXA. This test usually takes 20 minutes to 40 minutes.
Urination test: If the doctor feels it is necessary, the doctor takes the help of urine test to find out.
Blood test: This test is done to check the level of vitamin D in the blood. As well as some other types of tests, which determine bone health.
Treatment: If the test reveals osteoporosis, then the doctor, first of all, advises you not to do heavy work and not to do jumping, exercise as it is prone to break bones. To prevent osteoporosis, you should eat a diet rich in calcium and magnesium. The intake of Vitamin C also strengthens bones. Lack of calcium and Vitamin D is the main cause of osteoporosis. Calcium makes bones strong while Vitamin D works by absorbing calcium in the body. Therefore, along with taking calcium supplements or supplements, you should also take vitamin D in plenty. The best source of Vitamin D is sunshine. If you do light-weight exercises like walking, aerobics, dance and light stretching or do yoga, then the risk is reduced. Apart from this, climbing stairs daily is also beneficial for you.
The writer is Dr Deepak Chaudhary, Director-Centre for Sports Injury in Institute for Bone, Joint Replacement, Orthopedics Spine & Sports Medicine, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi