Osteoporosis is a medical condition that weakens bone density and makes people with weak bones more likely to suffer a fracture. The risk is higher in people with a family history of osteoporosis and in elders over 65. People tend to lose bone density with age. However, those with osteoporosis have extremely thin and weak bones. The condition often remains undiagnosed until you break a bone and get a diagnosis. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the more effective osteoporosis treatment in Thane is. Here are the common treatment options.
Treatment Options
A) Medications
Your doctor will prescribe medication that either slows the progress of bone density loss or promotes the formation of new bone.
Bisphosphonates are the safest drug for osteoporosis. They slow down bone density loss. Depending on the intensity of your bone loss, your doctor might recommend a Bisphosphonates pill you can take daily, weekly, or once a month. Or, they will administer the drug through IV once a year.
If your healthcare provider suspects osteoporosis because of hormonal fluctuations in your body, they might recommend hormonal medication. Estrogen replacement therapy can help women in their post-menopausal stage to restore their bone density, although the treatment can increase the risk of heart diseases and blood clots.
Denosumab is another popular medication for osteoporosis. It’s given through injectable shots every 1-6 months.
B) Lifestyle Changes
Here are some lifestyle changes you must follow to prevent osteoporosis.
- Practice weightlifting and muscle-strengthening exercises to increase your bone strength.
- Eat a diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium
- Prevent falls
- Get treatment for medical conditions that might be the underlying cause of osteoporosis.
- Avoid or adjust medication that interferes with your bone health
C) Alternative Therapies
Yoga and acupuncture are common alternative therapies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Yoga can help prevent falls and fractures by improving flexibility, and acupuncture can relieve pain.
Note that these therapies don’t cure osteoporosis, and there is no scientific evidence proving their effectiveness in building bone density either.
Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety
Bisphosphonates are the safest drugs for osteoporosis patients. That said, it doesn’t come without side effects. You might experience gastrointestinal issues, fever, and low calcium levels. Rare complications, like conjunctivitis and muscle pain, are also possible.
If your body doesn’t respond to bisphosphonates, the doctor for osteoporosis treatment in Thane might recommend Teriparatide (Forteo) and abaloparatide (Tymlos) — medication for bone formation. These are safe. Patients report tolerable side effects like nausea and dizziness.
The FDA-approved Romosozumab is a commonly used medication for women diagnosed with osteoporosis. It’s for postmenopausal women whose bodies fail to respond to other medications. Women at an increased risk of fractures due to weakened bones can consider Romosozumab. A clinical trial showed a decreased risk of fracture in women who took this medication.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis can be managed with a healthy and active lifestyle and a balanced diet. It’s advisable to see a specialist to determine the best medication and treatment plan for bone health.