Guide
Guide
Osteoporosis, also known as "brittle bones," is a chronic metabolic disease in which skeletal bone mass decreases, and bone density diminishes. This significantly raises the risk of bone fractures for those affected.
The term "osteoporosis" is of Greek origin and roughly translates to "porous bones." This term aptly describes the condition in which the bone structure becomes increasingly porous due to a decrease in bone density. This, in turn, makes bones more susceptible to breaking, even with minor stress or falls. The hips, forearms, and spine are often the most affected areas.
Such fractures result in severe limitations in mobility, impacting the overall quality of life for those affected. Therefore, osteoporosis should be treated with the utmost seriousness as a disease.
On average, women develop osteoporosis earlier and more frequently than men. This is primarily due to a reduced estrogen level, which continues to decrease during menopause. Estrogen plays a protective role for bones, particularly in women who have a finer bone structure, making them more vulnerable.
Bones are subject to a constant process of building and breaking down. By the age of 30, more bone mass is built up than is lost. From the age of 40 onwards, this process slowly reverses. The body loses bone mass as we age, which is completely normal. It only becomes problematic when this loss exceeds normal levels.
This is the case with osteoporosis. Here, the natural process is disrupted. Excessively more bone mass is lost than is built up. This disrupts the internal bone structures. The bones lose elasticity and stability, becoming porous and brittle. Sometimes, complicated bone fractures can occur even without falls or external influences.
The exact cause of osteoporosis is not fully understood yet. However, various factors can increase the risk of the disease. The most commonly cited causes include:
Hormonal changes: In women, bone density decreases after menopause as estrogen levels decline. Estrogen is crucial for bone formation.
Poor diet: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Genetic factors: Some people are more susceptible to osteoporosis due to their genes.
Certain illnesses, such as thyroid disease, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
It should be emphasized that these causes have a highly individual impact. What leads to osteoporosis and a disruption in the balance between bone formation and breakdown in one person does not necessarily trigger this disease in another.
The risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Women are particularly at risk after menopause. But there are other risk factors:
Postmenopausal women are at high risk of developing osteoporosis. Around 80% of all cases affect women of this age. Small-boned Northern European women and smokers are particularly at risk. In Germany, one in four women over the age of 50 is affected, while only one in every 17 men is diagnosed with osteoporosis.
When diagnosing, a distinction is made between primary and secondary osteoporosis:
Primary osteoporosis develops due to risk factors and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Secondary osteoporosis, on the other hand, occurs in only about 10 % of cases and is typically triggered by a preexisting illness. This can result from a disruption of the hormonal balance, the use of medications such as cortisone, and conditions like rheumatism, diabetes, anorexia, or intestinal and liver diseases.
Osteoporosis usually does not cause any symptoms at first, which is why it often goes undetected for a long time. The disease typically progresses gradually and quietly, showing no symptoms for years. Only in a later stage does it become noticeable through pain and an increase in bone fractures. Unfortunately, it is often in an advanced stage by the time it's detected.
The following warning signs may indicate osteoporosis:
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually made through a bone density measurement (DXA measurement). During the measurement, bone density is assessed at the hip and lumbar spine.
Treatment for osteoporosis aims to increase bone density and reduce the risk of bone fractures. The following measures can be taken for this purpose:
The earlier osteoporosis is detected, the better, as this can help counteract further bone loss. Each diagnosis and form of treatment is individual and should be discussed with the treating doctor.
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in old age. In the worst case, it leads to severe pain, bed rest, and permanent disability. But there are some things that everyone can do to prevent osteoporosis or improve the success of therapy.
1. Sport and Exercise:
Sports exercises that stress the bones are the most beneficial:
By the way, exercise has two important effects on osteoporosis: It not only improves bone structure but also enhances coordination and mobility. This, in turn, reduces the risk of falls and, consequently, bone fractures.
2. Nutrition:
Since sufficient calcium intake is crucial in osteoporosis, so-called calcium robbers should be avoided. These include cola drinks, processed meats, high-fat foods, processed cheese, and caffeine-containing beverages, which are suspected of depleting calcium from the bones. However, foods such as nuts, legumes, whole grain products, spinach, kohlrabi, bananas, raspberries, and dairy products are beneficial.
3. Get Rid of Vices:
Changing one's lifestyle by avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and excessive coffee consumption lays a strong foundation. Unfortunately, as per current knowledge, there is no cure for osteoporosis. However, in most cases, it is easily treatable.
4. Reducing Stress:
Latent tissue hyperacidity plays an essential role in bone loss. Hyperacidity can be exacerbated by certain foods and insufficient exercise, but it can also be induced by stress. Therefore, specific efforts should be made to reduce stress. Various strategies are available, including a combination of exercise and stress reduction through practices like yoga, mindfulness training, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and outdoor activities.
It sounds so simple, but it is actually a very important factor: fall prevention. Falls pose a high risk of bone fractures. Therefore, the risk of falling should be reduced, especially at home.
This includes both:
Preventing falls significantly reduces the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a serious disease. However, the risk can be reduced by taking the right measures. Pay attention to your bone health, and it's better to get examined too frequently than too infrequently. Eat healthily and exercise regularly. If you already have limitations, seek support with assistive devices.
People who rely on a rollator in everyday life use it not only indoors or on smooth pavements. Walks in the park, trips to the supermarket, or outings in nature are an integral part of daily...
Crutches are uncomfortable, unstable, and often painful. Anyone who has used underarm crutches after foot surgery or an ankle injury knows the struggle: sore hands...
Manual wheelchairs are an essential part of everyday care in medical and nursing settings. Whether in hospitals, care facilities, or rehabilitation centers...
