ORTHOPEDICS/ OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a malady categorized by bone thinning that can lead progressively to bone fragility and crack, particularly at the hip, spine and wrist levels.
Signs
Osteoporosis is qualified by “silent disease” because bone’s density is weakening slowly over a period of years without any evident symptoms; Therefore, Bones’ disease remains classically undiagnosed until bones are weakened and become suitable to cracking easily. (Note that Osteoporosis is the cause of 1.5 million cracks/year).
Where Osteoporosis attacks?
In fact, Osteoporosis can strike everybody at any age, unlike thinking that it improves with only old persons, in addition that most of bones’ cracks related to osteoporosis are seen with women more than men.
Risk Factors
Following are some risk factors that make some people more expected to suffer from osteoporosis than others: Advanced age, early menopause, being female, heredity, men having low testosterone levels, amenorrhea, anorexia or bulimia, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, disorders involving blocked intestinal absorption of calcium, use of corticosteroid medicines (use lowest possible dose to reduce risk of osteoporosis and other side effects), use of anticonvulsant drugs, diet low in calcium, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, excessive use of alcohol of caffeine
Diagnosis
It is very important to early detect osteoporosis.
There are numerous tests, which can detect bone density problems,
We can note:
- Ultrasound of the heel
- CT scan of the spine
- Low level x-ray on a finger or wrist
- Bone density scan known as DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorption Test
- Standard x-rays do not detect osteoporosis until one-quarter of the bone mass is already lost. By then weakness to crack already exists. DEXA is an early detection device and can detect as little as one percent of bone loss.
- DEXA uses a low level of radiation, focuses on the hip and spine, which are collective sites of crack, and is considered safe and comfortable for the patient. However, DEXA, which has been called the “gold standard” of bone density tests, may not be covered by some insurance plans.
Behavior
Several sorts of drugs are actually used to treat osteoporosis:
Estrogens, Parathyroid hormones, Bisphosphonates
Drugs used for osteoporosis currently comprise:
Actonel (Risedronate), Boniva (Ibandronate), Didronel (Etidronate), Estrogens (Hormone Therapy), Evista (Raloxifene), Forteo (Teriparatide), Fosamax (Alendronate), Miacalcin (Calcitonin)
Avoidance
Avoidance of osteoporosis is mainly tied to 3 topics:
Appropriate nutrition, with enough amounts of calcium and vitamin D
Weight-bearing workout or sport’s activity
Paying attention to adaptable risk factors (e.g. stop smoking…)
Osteoporosis and Diet
Diet is amid the features that affect bone density. Calcium is an essential element for bone health. (Essentially, 99 percent of the body’s total calcium is found in bone). Calcium is also needed for appropriate function of the heart, muscles, nerves, as well as normal blood clotting.
Calcium absorption is influenced by increasing vitamin D absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin D can be provided through exposure to sunlight, or through eating fatty fish, eggs, liver, and fortified foods (including milk and multivitamins).
Protein is needed because it plays a role in tissue growth, as well as tissue repair. Protein also is needed for crack repair and appropriate functioning of the immune system. Protein, though, increases calcium excretion, which creates a need for more calcium to keep the correct balance of elements in the body.
Sodium, laterally with chloride as the salt components, sodium may similarly increase the elimination of calcium. People who classically have high salt consumption necessitate more calcium.
Oxalate is found in some foods, such as spinach, rhubarb, and sweet potatoes. Oxalate stimulates calcium absorption from the same food source.
Phosphorus is a needed mineral in our diet. Most of the phosphorus in our bodies is deposited in the bones, with lesser amounts found in teeth, DNA, and cell membranes. Unnecessary dietary intake of phosphorus (e.g., cola or processed foods) may stimulate calcium absorption.
Beverages that comprise caffeine can lessen calcium absorption, but not efficiently. Just avoid caffeine that diminish calcium absorption.
It is vital to pay attention to nutrition. Adequate consumption of healthy elements helps to keep bone health and luckily decrease the developing osteoporosis risks.