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HOW TO DETECT OSTEOPOROSIS AND OTHER BONE PROBLEMS EARLY?

HOW TO DETECT OSTEOPOROSIS AND OTHER BONE PROBLEMS EARLY?

As osteoporosis has NO obvious symptoms other than a fracture, it is important to go to the Doctor if any of the risk factors mentioned below apply to you. You may have Osteopenia (low bone mass) or Osteoporosis at a much younger age, especially if you are a woman. Best way to find out and confirm bone mineral loss is by blood tests & Bone mineral densitometry test.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Following are the main risk factors associated with Osteoporosis :

01. A close family member diagnosed with osteoporosis

02. A family history of fractures resulting from minor bumps and falls

03. Frequent falls

04. A previous fracture

05. Bedridden for a prolonged period

06. Little or no physical activity

07. Low body weight

08. Small height

09. Periods stopped for more than 12 months

10. A diet low in Calcium & Vitamin D

11. High Alcohol intake

12. SMOKING

13. Certain medications in long term use ( your doctor will tell you )

14. Age more than 40 years

15. Chronic diseases like Liver and kidney diseases

16. Malabsorption syndromes

17. Hyperthyroidism

18. Cushing Syndromes

DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

Once the severity of mineral loss is ascertained, your Geriatrician / Doctor will offer you one of the therapies as treatment that suits you most depending upon the severity of your disease. The various treatments available include :

Calcium Supplements

Bisphosphonates

HRT ( Hormone Replacement Therapies)

SERMs ( Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)

CARE OF BONES (apart the treatment)

Get enough Calcium & Vitamin D;

Dairy products ( Cheese / Paneer );

Vegetables (Brocalli / Cabbage / Cauliflower);

Dry fruits ( Almonds);

Fruits ( Banana / Baer / Custard Apple );

Stay active and exercise regularly with weight bearing execises;

Good bone building exercises are running, skipping, aerobics, tennis, brisk walking;

Prevent falls;

Talk to your Doctor;

Take medicines as prescribed regularly.


I shall explain about exercises in my next blog.

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