TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Osteoporosis is a condition where bones are weak and brittle, making them much easier to fracture. People with osteoporosis can live with the condition for years before being diagnosed.
Because it tends to develop slowly over several years, osteoporosis often goes undetected until a fall or sudden impact causes bone broken. Osteoporosis occurs when new bone formation fails to compensate for the loss of old bone, leading to a loss of bone density.
Bones with this condition slowly become weaker over time and increase the risk of fractures. In the most serious cases, the bones can become very brittle, even mild pressure such as coughing or bending over can cause broken bones.
Osteoporosis is mostly asymptomatic but those with the condition often won’t experience the pain associated with the disease until the bone is broken. While fractures are often the first sign of osteoporosis, Age UK has outlined three main signs to look out for as they can indicate bones have weakened.
-Severe back pain
-Curved spine
-Decreased body height
Usually the elderly become stooped because of osteoporosis. This occurs because the spine is broken or weakened making it difficult to support the body’s weight. As a result, the posture bends forward. Similarly, the feeling of a person having lost height can be associated with this.
Who is most likely to get osteoporosis? Loss of bone density is a normal part of the aging process. But some lose bone mass much faster than others, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Overall, older people are more likely to develop the condition, with women being at a higher risk than men because they can lose bone density rapidly in the first few years after menopause.
If you experience early menopause or if your ovaries are removed, women are much more likely to develop the condition, according to the NHS. However, other factors may predispose you to the disease, such as a family history of osteoporosis, taking high-dose steroid tablets for more than three months, having an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, not exercising frequently, smoking and drinking alcohol, having a low body mass index. low.
Unfortunately, for some people this condition is unavoidable with age. However, there are some important steps to take to help maintain bone health. The NHS recommends regular exercise, eating healthy, including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking and excessive drinking, to maintain bone health.
Also read: Prevent Early Osteoporosis by Avoiding These Foods
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