Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and brittle. The bones can be so fragile that mild stress or fall can cause a fracture. The loss of bone occurs gradually without any symptoms until the first fracture. Most osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the wrist, spine, or hip.
Causes of Osteoporosis
New bone is always being made while old bone is being broken down. Young people are able to make new bone at a faster rate than breaking, which causes an increase in bone mass. However, when you get to your early 20s, the process slows down, and by age 30, you will have reached your peak bone mass. As you age, you will lose bone mass faster than it’s created. The risk of osteoporosis will mainly depend on the bone mass you acquired during your youth.
Who is at Risk of Developing Osteoporosis?
There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing osteoporosis. Some of these risks are:
Unchangeable factors
Some risk factors are beyond human control, including:
- Age – As you get older, the risk of osteoporosis increases.
- Sex – According to WebMD, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men.
- Race – If you’re of Asian descent or white, then you’re at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Body size – Men and women with a small body frame are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis because they have less bone mass.
- Family history – If you have a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, then you are at a higher risk, especially if either of your parents fractured a hip.
Dietary factors
You may be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you have:
- Low calcium intake – lack of calcium in your body causes a low bone density, bone loss, and a higher risk of fractures.
- Gastrointestinal surgery – If you have undergone this type of surgery either to remove part of your intestines or to reduce the size of your stomach, the amount of surface area that absorbs vital nutrients like calcium will be limited.
Lifestyle choices
Some habits can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, for example:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol – Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic beverages will increase your risk of osteoporosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle – If you spend most of your time sitting, then you’re at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than those who leave a more active lifestyle. Weight-bearing exercise and any activities that improve your balance and posture are essential to your bones. Also, exercises such as running, walking, dancing, jumping, and weightlifting are equally helpful.
- Tobacco use – Tobacco use will gradually weaken your bones.
Preventing Osteoporosis
Regardless of your age, there are some things you can do to prevent weakened bones. Above all else, be sure to exercise regularly and eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. If you already have osteoporosis, use posture support supplies and avoid activities that may strain your waist or spine.
What You Can Do For Your Osteoporosis
To treat osteoporosis, you have to stop bone loss and rebuild your bones to prevent fractures. Additionally, you should make healthy lifestyle choices such as exercises, proper diet, and medication to prevent bone loss. When exercising, use custom personalized orthotics for sports and the right shoes. For other quality orthopedic supplies to help treat your osteoporosis, visit Medical Supply Depot today!
