Osteoporosis causes reduced bone density and mass. Simply put, people with osteoporosis have considerably weaker bones, which makes them more prone to fractures. It’s considered a “silent disease” because most patients aren’t aware that they have osteoporosis until their bones break easily. That’s when they rush to the orthopedic hospital in Mumbai to get their bones scanned by a professional.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until a fracture occurs. Here’s a look at some common warning signs of osteoporosis that require a visit to an orthopedic hospital.
Early Warning Signs
Watch out for these early signs of osteoporosis. If any or most of them seem familiar, see a healthcare expert for a thorough evaluation.
- Painful and Tender Bones: If you have been having persistent bone pain, especially in the hips, back, and wrists, it could be an early sign of osteoporosis. Tenderness in bones, particularly when you touch them, can also indicate osteoporosis.
- Frequent Fractures: The most obvious sign of osteoporosis is bone fractures. People with this silent disease have weak bones that are likely to break from small traumas, such as slipping on the floor or lifting a heavy object. If your bones break easily, consult an orthopedic specialist to discuss osteoporosis treatment in Mumbai.
- Loss of Height Over Time: It may sound strange, but people with osteoporosis become shorter than normal. That happens when the spine shrinks. The weakened bones in the spine can also result in a stooped or hunched posture. However, it’s a gradual change. You may not notice it until your posture changes completely.
- Receding Gums: Are you losing your teeth at an early age? Well, that’s another sign of osteoporosis. It indicates weakened jawbone, which might mean low bone density and bone mass in other body parts.
- Brittle Nails: In people with osteoporosis, the fingernails become brittle, and grip strength reduces drastically. These are less obvious yet possible signs of osteoporosis.
Diagnosis and Screening
Even if you don’t feel the symptoms listed above, it’s best to get checked by a professional if you are above 65, have a family history of osteoporosis, or have reached menopause. A bone density test can help detect weak bones.
Prevention and Management
Although the disease isn’t fully reversible, bone density loss can be slowed if detected early. Here are a few preventive strategies that can help improve your bone strength:
i) Dietary Adjustment: Focus on a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The best sources include green leafy vegetables, dairy products, almonds, and tofu. You also need enough vitamin D for calcium absorption. Sit in the sun regularly for Vitamin D.
ii) Get Medication: Medications to slow bone loss and encourage new bone development can also help. If osteoporosis is triggered by menopause, your doctor will advise hormonal therapy.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis might be difficult to diagnose initially because of its less obvious symptoms. However, routine checkups during which you share your family history, medical records, and existing medical issues can help catch it early.
