WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Osteoporosis (AHS-tee-oh-pour-O-sis) is a thinning of the
bones that can eventually lead to fractures and deformity. It
is most common in women who have gone through menopause.
Although osteoporosis is a life-long condition, exercise, diet,
and hormone replacement therapy can slow its progress. There
are also prescription drugs available that can reverse the
disease.
Causes
Bones tend to lose strength with
advancing age; and when estrogen levels decline after
menopause, the process may pick up speed. Insufficient calcium
in your diet will make the problem worse, as will a deficiency
of vitamin D. Because weight-bearing exercise strengthens the
bones, lack of exercise is an important contributing factor.
Certain diseases and medicines may also lead to
osteoporosis.
Signs/Symptoms
One early sign is a backache.
Later, as bones in the spine begin to crumble, people with
osteoporosis may lose height and develop a hump in the back.
Falls are more likely to result in a broken arm or
hip.
Care
Get plenty of exercise and make
sure you have enough calcium in your diet. Ask your doctor
about hormone replacement therapy and medicines such as
calcitonin and Fosamax.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Falls are especially dangerous if you have
osteoporosis. To avoid them:
-
If you are unsteady on your feet, use a cane or
have someone help you walk.
-
Remove loose rugs and long electrical cords from
your home.
-
Keep your home well lighted at
night.
-
Avoid icy streets and wet or waxed floors. Hold the
railing when using stairs.
-
If your back is affected, a firm mattress may help
you sleep better.
-
To pick up objects, bend at the knees rather than
from the waist.
-
Eat a balanced diet that is high in calcium and
vitamin D and contains lots of green vegetables and
milk.
-
Ask your doctor to suggest a good exercise
program.
-
To relieve pain, you may use over-the-counter
pain-killers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and
ibuprofen.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop new, unexplained symptoms. They may be
related to a medicine you are
taking.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You develop sudden, severe pain in your
back.
-
You have pain after an injury or
fall.
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