How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

It is not uncommon for men, women, and children to break bones as they move around their day-to-day business. But what if you break bones frequently, it may be time to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. Read below to find out more about this fragile bone disease. 

What Is Osteoporosis?

As some people age, their bones break down faster than their bodies can build new bone. This causes the bones to have holes and become more fragile. This condition is called osteoporosis.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Bone is continually regenerating to replace old bone, thereby increasing the bone mass. But with age, bone mass breaks down faster than it is created. As a result, more bone mass is lost than can be replaced, making bones brittle and weak.

Types of Osteoporosis

Primary Type I: generally referred to as postmenopausal osteoporosis. People who suffer from this type of osteoporosis are also at a higher risk of spinal and wrist fractures.

Primary Type II: caused by a long-term calcium deficiency. Type II osteoporosis results in loss of the outer bone structure and thins out the inner bone.

Secondary: develops when certain conditions or medications increase bone growth so much that it halts it. Secondary osteoporosis is also common among patients suffering from diabetes.

Can you detect osteoporosis in the early stages?

Early, detectable signs of bone loss are rare. Often, people do not know they have weak bones until they have broken their hip, spine, or wrist. Some signs and symptoms can point toward bone loss, such as:

· Receding gums: Your gums can recede if your jaw is losing bone

· Weaker grip strength: Being unable to grip items with the strength you once had can be a sign of losing bone

· Weak and brittle fingernails: Nail strength can signal poor bone health

As the bone continues to break down over time, you may start to experience more obvious symptoms, such as:

· Loss of height

· Fracturing easier

· Back or neck pain

· Stooped posture or compression fracture

Treatment

Fortunately, osteoporosis is treatable if it is caught in time. Consider making lifestyle changes such as:

· Getting more calcium: It is best to get your calcium from food. If you do not get enough calcium from your diet, your doctor can recommend a calcium supplement.

· Ensuring you get enough vitamin D: This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium. Your doctor will test your blood to measure your vitamin D level to see if you need a supplement.

· Exercising: Take 15 or 30 minutes out of your day for weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. This may include walking, jogging, yoga, and using free weights and elastic bands. 

· Eating well: Make sure your diet includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and dairy products.

Learn More About Osteoporosis

At BASS Medical Group, we value the chance to work with patients who need medical guidance. Give us a call today at (925) 350-4044 to set up an appointment with one of our team members and find out if you are experiencing osteoporosis.