Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density and
strength. In osteoporosis, bone mass decreases,
causing bones to be more susceptible to fracture.
The most significant areas affected are the spine
and hips.
Causes
Osteoarthritis occurs when the joints receive too
much wear. This can be caused by obesity, bad
posture, repeated trauma or injury, and overuse. In
some cases, osteoarthritis is hereditary.
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity
contribute to decreased bone density. It is
important to consume calcium and vitamin D during
adolescence and young adulthood. A poor diet and a
sedentary lifestyle can hinder bone-building and
contribute to brittle bones in later age. Drinking
caffeine and soda on a regular basis, in particular,
is thought to increase the rate of calcium loss from
bones.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease",
because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People
may not know that they have osteoporosis until their
bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or
fall causes a bone to fracture or a vertebra to
collapse. However, there may be a chronic, dull pain
particularly in the lower back or neck, which may
become sharp later in the course of the disease.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis can usually be managed at home
with rest and acetaminophen for pain relief.
Eat a calcium-rich diet to build strong bones.Eat a
balanced diet with plenty of calcium. Foods rich in
calcium include: dairy products such as milk,
yogurt, and cheese; calcium-fortified foods such as
orange juice, bread, and cereals; canned fish with
edible bones such as sardines and salmon; leafy dark
green vegetables such as kale, collard greens and
spinach.
Regular, gentle exercise is important to
help maintain strength and flexibility in the
muscles and joints. Arthroscopic surgery for
osteoarthritis is most frequently performed at the
knee, but may occasionally be performed at the
shoulder or elbow as well. This type of surgery does
not cure the arthritis, but may significantly
decrease the level of pain.
ERT is usually prescribed in combination with the
sex hormone progesterone. Before the symptoms of
osteoporosis, it can help preserve skeletal strength
and maintain bone strength by slowing the rate of
calcium loss from the bone. Other options include
bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosomax),
tiludronate, risedronate (Actonel), etidronate (Didronel),
and pamidronate.
