Osteoporosis

FAQ's
Cooking with Calcium

DEFINITION

As the name suggests it is porous bone and is due to loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to increased vulnerability to fractures. Women after menopause are more affected.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms:

Late symptoms:

  • Sudden, severe back pain. Many a times a fracture is the first presentation.
  • Deformed spinal column with humps. (picture)
  • Loss of height.
  • Fractures occurring with minor injury, especially of the hip, arm or ribs.

CAUSES

Loss of bony structure and strength. Factors include:

  • Prolonged lack of adequate calcium and protein in the diet.
  • Low estrogen levels after menopause.
  • Decreased activity with increased age.
  • Smoking (possibly).
  • Use of cortisone drugs.
  • Prolonged disease, including alcoholism.
  • Vitamin deficiency (especially of vitamin C).
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Cancer.

RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Surgical removal of ovaries.
  • Radiation treatment for ovarian cancer.
  • Chronic or recurrent urinary-tract or other pelvic infections.
  • Poor nutrition, especially inadequate calcium and protein.
  • Body type. Thin women with a small frame are more susceptible.

HOW TO PREVENT

  • Ensure an adequate calcium intake--up to 1500 mg a day--with milk and milk products or calcium supplements.
  • Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, which is better for preventing osteoporosis than swimming.
  • Protect yourself against falls, especially in the home.
  • Consult your doctor about taking HRT, calcium and fluoride after menopause begins or the ovaries have been removed.

OTHER

Older persons may need assistance in maintaining a good diet, remaining physically active, and creating an accident-proof home environment.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

  • Observation of symptoms.
  • Examination by a doctor.
  • X-rays of bones (Normal and osteoporotic)

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Bone fracture, especially of the hip or spine, after a fall. Sometimes a bone will break or collapse without injury or a fall.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Diet, calcium and fluoride supplements, vitamin D, exercise and estrogen can halt--and may reverse--bone deterioration. Fractures will heal with standard treatment.

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
  • Your doctor may prescribe calcium, vitamin-D supplements, estrogen or flouride.

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Avoid all circumstances, which may lead to injury. Beware of walking on wet floors. Hold the railing when using stairs, and make sure railings are sturdy.
  • If estrogen is prescribed, visit your doctor for regular pelvic exams and Pap smear. Practice Self Breast Examination, for lumps once a month. Report any vaginal bleeding or discharge.
  • Use heat or ice in any form to ease pain.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress.
  • Use a back brace, if prescribed.
  • Use correct posture when lifting.

ACTIVITY

Stay active, but avoid the risk of falls. Exercise - especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or running - helps maintain bone strength.

DIET

Eat a normal, well-balanced diet high in protein, calcium and vitamin D.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

  • You have suggestive symptoms.
  • Pain develops, especially after injury.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop, such as vaginal bleeding. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.