Osteoporosis – Brittle Bone Disease – The Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones. Osteoporosis literally leads to the abnormally porous bone that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures (breaks) in the bones.

Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium, all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injuries that normally would not cause a bone to fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking or collapsing. The spine, hips, ribs, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis although osteoporosis-related fractures can occur in almost any skeletal bone.

The following are factors that can increase the risk of osteoporosis:

1. Female gender
2. Thin and small body frame
3. Family history of osteoporosis
4. Personal history of fracture as an adult
5. Cigarette smoking
6. Excessive alcohol consumption
7. Lack of exercise
8. Diet low in calcium
9. Poor nutrition and poor general health, especially associated with chronic inflammation or bowel disease

The goal of treatment of osteoporosis is the prevention of bone fractures by reducing bone loss or, preferably, by increasing bone density and strength. Although early detection and timely treatment of osteoporosis can substantially decrease the risk of future fractures, none of the available treatments for osteoporosis are complete cures. It is difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been weakened by osteoporosis. Therefore, prevention of osteoporosis is as important as treatment.  The following are osteoporosis treatment and prevention measures for optimal health of the bone:

1. Lifestyle changes, including quitting cigarette smoking, curtailing excessive alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and consuming a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D.
2. Medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength.
3. Medications that increase bone formation.

The outlook for patients with osteoporosis depends greatly on where fractures occur. Additionally, if treatment is begun when the bone disease is detected early, the outcome is better.

So, for osteoporosis treatment in Delhi NCR, contact Dr. A.K. Sharma the best orthopaedic doctor in Delhi NCR.