Bone decalcification (osteoporosis)

• Article
• 2021-01-30

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength which can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones).

Osteoporosis is a "silent" disease because you usually don't have symptoms, and you may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone. Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. Fractures can occur in any bone, but most often occur in the bones of the hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.

However, you can take steps to help prevent the disease and fractures by:

• Staying physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Quit smoking, or don't start if you don't smoke.
• Taking your medications, if prescribed, that can help prevent fractures in people with osteoporosis.
• Follow a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to maintain good bone health.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis is called a "silent" disease "because there are usually no symptoms until a bone is broken or one or more vertebrae collapse (fracture). Symptoms of a vertebral fracture include severe back pain, loss of height or deformities of the spine. such as a bent or stooped posture (kyphosis).

Bones affected by osteoporosis can become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as a result of:

• Minor falls, such as a fall from standing height that does not normally cause a fracture in healthy bone.
• Normal tensions such as bending, lifting or even coughing.

The goals for the treatment of osteoporosis are to slow or stop bone loss and prevent fractures. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Good nutrition.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Practice.
• Fall prevention to help prevent fractures.
• Medicines.

People who develop osteoporosis from another condition should work with their healthcare provider to identify and treat the underlying cause. For example, if you are taking a drug that causes bone loss, your doctor may lower the dose of that drug or switch you to a different drug. If you have a disease that requires long-term glucocorticoid therapy , such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic lung disease, you may also be taking certain medications approved for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis associated with aging or menopause.

Therapy

Nutrition

An important part of osteoporosis treatment is eating a healthy, balanced diet, including:

• Lots of fruits and vegetables.
• An appropriate amount of calories for your age, height and weight. Your healthcare provider or doctor can help you determine how many calories you need each day to maintain a healthy weight.
• Foods and liquids that contain calcium, vitamin D and proteins. These help minimize bone loss and maintain overall health. However, it is important to eat a diet rich in all nutrients to help protect and maintain bone health.

Calcium and Vitamin D.

Calcium and Vitamin D are important nutrients to prevent osteoporosis and help bones achieve maximum bone mass. If you don't get enough calcium, the body gets it from the bones, which can lead to bone loss. This can make bones weak and thin, leading to osteoporosis.

Good sources of calcium include:

• Low-fat dairy products.
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as bok choy, collards and turnip greens.
• Broccoli.
• Sardines and salmon with bones.
• Calcium-fortified foods such as soy milk, tofu, orange juice, cereals and bread.

Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the intestine. It is made in the skin after exposure to sunlight. Some foods

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