Literally translated as “porous bone,” osteoporosis. Porous denotes having many holes. Our bones become thinner as we age. Bones that have osteoporosis become highly fragile and brittle. Until a bone breaks, it frequently develops slowly over many years without any symptoms or discomfort. It is frequently referred to as a silent disease because there are no symptoms in the early stages and it advances without any noticeable signs.
Hip, spine, and wrist fractures account for the majority of these fractures. Although falls are the most common cause of broken bones, people with osteoporosis occasionally fracture their bones even when performing routine home duties, sneezing, or making a sudden movement. Osteoporosis-related fractures are a significant source of pain and long-term disability and can be fatal.
A disease with hollow bones is another name for osteoporosis. a condition in which bones lose strength and density. Dr. Girish Singh, an orthopaedic surgeon at KGMU, says that osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle due to a loss in bone mass (density) brought on by a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
Who are the most Victims of this disease?
After age 40, osteoporosis affects more women. According to a WHO study, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men suffer from this disease worldwide, says Dr. Ajay Singh, an orthopaedic surgeon at KGMU.
Dr. Ajay Singh claims that menopause is a significant factor in the incidence of this condition in women. Women’s bodies contain certain hormones that protect them from this condition, but as they get older and their hormone production begins to decline, the likelihood of developing a sickness also rises. In addition to this, some scientists believe nursing is the cause of this. Women who have given birth to children breastfeed them, which helps the body absorb calcium.
Is osteoporosis Risky?
Osteoporosis affects both men and women equally, however it is more common in older women. One in three women and one in five men over the age of 65 may break a bone due to osteoporosis. In addition to age and sex, the following are risk factors for osteoporosis.
How is osteoporosis identified?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed through bone mineral density (BMD) examinations, sometimes referred to as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scans. To assess the stability of the spine, hip, or wrist bones, these X-rays emit very small doses of radiation.
Every woman over the age of 65 and every man over the age of 70 should get their bone density checked. If a woman or man has osteoporosis risk factors, the DEXA scan may be performed early.