World Osteoporosis Day: Let’s Talk About Osteoporosis
October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day!
The purpose of World Osteoporosis Day is to kick off a yearlong campaign to raise awareness, research, and support for people living with the disease. In this blog post, we’re going to talk about what osteoporosis is, its symptoms, how it can be prevented, and finally, how it is treated.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that weakens your bones and makes them susceptible to fracture. Our bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt; however, when you have osteoporosis, your bones break down faster than they can be rebuilt. As a result, your bones become fragile, and are more likely to break. Osteoporosis occurs mostly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Osteoporosis risk factors:
- Gender – while anyone can get osteoporosis, men are less likely to develop the disease than women.
- Age – your chances of developing osteoporosis increase with age.
- Body frame – people with smaller body frames have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to having less bone mass in their bodies to replenish from.
- Race – Non-Hispanic white people and Asian descent folks are more likely to develop osteoporosis, but it can affect anyone.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
The most common symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture that occurs with no apparent injury or from a minor fall; however, there are other signs and symptoms associated with osteoporosis, including back pain (due to a collapsed vertebra), loss of height over time, a stooped posture, and chronic pain in general. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you’re struggling with osteoporosis pain, or are wondering what exercise plan and diet changes can help, Healthpointe has physicians and services that can help you! You can schedule an appointment with us by filling out this form on our website. We also now offer texting services! Give us a call or text to schedule an appointment today at (714) 367-5390.
How can osteoporosis be prevented?
Osteoporosis can be prevented by doing two things: first, by ensuring that you get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout your life; and second, by engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running, jogging, or lifting weights. Drinking alcohol in moderation and refraining from smoking are also important for preventing osteoporosis.
Is there a cure for osteoporosis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoporosis; however, the good news is that it can be treated. There are a number of different treatments available for osteoporosis depending on the severity of the disease. These include lifestyle changes (such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D), medications (such as bisphosphonates), weight-bearing exercise (such as walking or jogging), and sometimes surgery (if the disease has progressed to the point where bones are at risk of breaking).
World Osteoporosis Day is a day to raise awareness for those affected by this debilitating disease. There is no cure for osteoporosis but there are treatments available to manage its affects. By working together we can help support patients, and find new ways to prevent this degenerative disease.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization. We offer a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net