Last week, we started our conversation about osteoporosis. Today, we will continue the conversation by talking about managing and preventing osteoporosis.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on strengthening bones and reducing the risk of fractures. Common options include:
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Medications – Including medicines called bisphosphonates, such as alendronate or risedronate, are commonly prescribed to slow bone loss. Other medications, like denosumab or teriparatide, may be recommended for specific cases. -
Calcium and Vitamin D – We now know that getting these vital nutrients through natural sources, such as diet and sunlight, is much better for your overall health. But supplements are sometimes prescribed to ensure adequate levels for bone health.
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Weight-bearing exercises – Such as walking or resistance training, can help maintain or improve bone density.
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Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also crucial.
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Fall prevention – Making your living environment safer by removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars can reduce the risk of falls that could lead to fractures.
Your physician can tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs and medical history.
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Yes! While some risk factors, such as genetics and age, cannot be controlled, there are many steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis. You only build up bone mass until around age 35. Building strong bones before age 35 is one key to prevention. Maintaining bone mass after age 35 is then the goal. Here are some ways to do that:
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Adequate nutrition – Ensure that you get enough calcium (1,000–1,200 mg per day, depending on your age) and vitamin D (600–800 IU daily) in your diet. Remember that it is better for your overall health for this to come from natural sources, rather than from supplements when possible.
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Regular exercise – Engage in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, such as walking, dancing, or yoga, to build and maintain bone strength.
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Healthy lifestyle habits – Avoid smoking, and limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Significantly limit carbonated drinks, which can significantly decrease the quality of our bones. This is especially important for children.
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Avoid use of steroid (cortisone type) medications as much as possible throughout your lifetime. While they are sometimes needed, they do significantly increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, so don’t take them without discussing their risks vs. benefits with your doctor.
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Bone health monitoring – Regular check-ups and bone density tests, especially if you have risk factors, can help catch and address osteoporosis early.
What are the complications of osteoporosis?
If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to fractures that significantly impact quality of life. Hip fractures, for instance, often require surgery and may lead to long-term disability. Spinal fractures can cause chronic pain and limited mobility. These complications can lead to loss of independence, increased risk of falls, and greater likelihood of other health complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
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Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor