Issue 46.14
Osteoporosis is a disease where a person, male or female, has a very high risk of fracture due to loss of quality and volume of bone density thus making the bone fragile. Although more frequent in people over the age of 65, osteoporosis can occur earlier in life.
It is estimated that up to 50% of people who have a ground level fall resulting in a hip fracture will die within two years of that event. Osteoporosis can therefore have a great increase in risk of death. It can also have a great impact on quality of life. After a fracture, whether hip, spine or other location, it will often impair function and may contribute to significant on-going pain.
Things to minimize bone loss include weight bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and other medications targeted to minimizing bone loss. To minimize the risk of a fall, it is important to maintain mobility, reduce tripping hazards in the home, maintain good eye sight, avoid medications that have a higher likelihood of causing impairment or dizziness, and use assistive devices such as a cane or walker when indicated.
To screen for osteoporosis, a bone mineral density study is done. This is a painless x-ray type of study which will tell you if you are losing bone mass. If caught early enough, this can be prevented and bone can even be replaced. If you have concerns that you are at risk of osteoporosis, contact your provider to assess your medications, other causes of loss of bone, risk of fall and get your bone mineral density study done.
If you need to see a provider to help with this, you can see Karen Radley, MD, a family physician, by scheduling an appointment by calling 435-673-9653.