Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition that results from the gradual weakening of bones to the point of bone loss. Our bones can become brittle and fragile when bone density decreases, which happens when bones start breaking down faster than the body can rebuild them. Bones are porous like a sponge, and osteoporosis causes these spaces to get bigger. The decrease in density weakens the bone inside and out. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures from hard blows or falls. Factors that cause osteoporosis include age, menopause, and medical conditions. Most patients are asymptomatic, but receding gums or brittle nails may be early signs of the disease. Learn more signs and symptoms now.

Easier Bone Fractures

The risk of fracturing certain bones increases significantly as we age, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Many individuals are not aware of the condition until they break or fracture a bone. The bones most commonly affected by osteoporosis are the hips, ribs, spinal vertebrae, and bones in the forearm. The majority of hip and spine fractures are suffered by individuals aged seventy and older. Some elderly individuals have chronic conditions or mobility issues such as difficulty walking or getting out of bed. Osteoporosis increases the risk of easier bone fractures under these circumstances.

Severe cases of osteoporosis can result in fractures from simple actions like bumping into things or sneezing. Breaks and fractures are typically more serious among the elderly, especially in the spine and hips. They are usually very painful, take longer to heal, and can cause permanent damage or disability. Recovery time spent in bed can lead to other problems like the development of blood clots or pneumonia.

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Loss Of Height

Losing height as you age is normal, but several factors can accelerate the process. One of the first signs of osteoporosis is a slight loss of height due to how it affects the spine. Tiny fractures in the spinal vertebrae occur naturally over time and cause compression. These fractures are usually painless and undetected, but they can cause excessive bone loss and loss of inches in height. Poor posture is another condition that can affect height because of weakening muscles around the spine. This loss of muscle may eventually lead to loss of bone and height.

In addition, shrinkage occurs naturally in the discs between vertebrae as a result of aging. Studies of bone density scans of elderly women have demonstrated a link between height loss and the risk of osteoporosis in the hip. The research showed a two to three-inch height loss quadrupled the risk of osteoporosis of the hip. The risk was almost ten times greater in women with a loss of more than three inches. The average person loses about a half inch every ten years after age forty.

Get to know the next symptom of osteoporosis now.