Osteoporosis is a bone disease that happens when your body loses bone, doesn’t make enough bone, or both. This causes your bones to become weak and can cause you to break a bone with only a minor injury, or possibly even from a sneeze.
Normal bone looks like a honeycomb. When you have osteoporosis the holes of the honeycomb become larger, making the bone weaker. Weaker bones increase your risk for a fracture.
You don’t feel your bones getting weak, so you may not find out you have osteoporosis until after you’ve broken a bone. One in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Care
It is important once you have a fragility fracture, a fracture that happens with little to no trauma, that you see a healthcare provider to determine if you have osteoporosis. Your healthcare provider may order a DEXA scan. This is a special x-ray that measures your bone density to see if you have osteoporosis.
Your healthcare provider may also order blood work to make sure there are no other reasons why you could have osteoporosis.
Your healthcare provider will see you back in the office to discuss your results. Based off your results, your provider will come up with a treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Reducing your fall risk can help lower your chances of sustaining a fragility fracture. Here are some potential ways to minimize your risk:
- Have grab bars installed in your bathroom near the toilet and in the shower.
- Use non-skid mats in the tub or shower.
- Be sure all cords and wires are secure and out of the walkway by attaching to the wall or ground.
- Remove all throwrugs.
- Place frequently used items in easy-to-reach places to avoid bending, stooping, or reaching.
- Make sure your home is well-lit, especially at the top and bottom of stairs.
- Make sure it is well-lit between your bedroom and bathroom.
- Wear low heeled shoes with rubber soles for better traction.
- Keep the outside of your home free of clutter.
Additionally, you may reduce your risk of osteoporosis by following these suggestions:
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit alcohol to less than 2 drinks a day.
- Get active. Participate in a daily weight-bearing exercise program. Simply walkingis a greatexercise.
- Limit yourcaffeine.
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Maintain a healthyweight.
Turn inside and outside lights on when you leave so it is well-lit when you come home.