Osteoporosis is usually a silent, painless disease until it is complicated by bone fractures. These fractures can occur following minimal trauma such as a minor bump or fall, or, in some cases, with no trauma. These fractures can lead to pain and potential disabilities.
One of the most common osteoporotic fractures is in the wrist, which may occur after putting an arm out to break a stumble or fall. The hip is another commonly affected area, typically after a fall. Another commonly affected area is the bones in your spine – known as a spinal fracture. This is when the bones in your spine collapse down on themselves, rather than breaking apart. Signs of spinal fractures will become more noticeable the more fractures you experience, and can include unexplained back pain, height loss and a curved spine or change in posture. In some cases, patients will have no symptoms.
Other areas like the shoulder, pelvis and ribs can also be affected.
Risk factors for osteoporosis and broken bones
Low Body Weight
Low body weight can mean you have less bone tissue. If you have a trip or fall, your bones take more of the impact if you have no layer of fat to cushion them, increasing your risk of breaking a bone.
Smoking
Smoking can cause an imbalance in the bone-production process, reducing bone thickness and making bone more vulnerable to fracture.
Excess Alcohol
Alcohol affects the cells that build and break down bone.
Poor Nutrition
A balanced diet including minerals, protein, fruits and vegetables is important in the prevention of osteoporosis and fragility fracture.
Low calcium intake and Vitamin D deficiency
Adequate vitamin D and calcium is essential for maintaining optimal bone health, preventing and treating of osteoporosis.
Physical Inactivity
Higher levels of physical inactivity is associated with lower bone thickness and increased fracture risk, particularly among frail or pre-frail individuals.
Genetics
Your genes determine the potential size and thickness of your skeleton.
Ageing
In the development of the human skeleton, bone formation and bone thickness peak in late adolescence and early adulthood. After this, bone loss occurs with age in both men and women, with accelerated bone loss in women during menopause.
Gender
When bone mass reaches its peak at the age of 25-30 years, men generally have larger bones that can withstand more strain compared to women. Women also experience greater bone loss during the menopause due to a drop in oestrogen levels.
A history of broken bones
A previous history of a fracture makes you at an increased risk of another fracture.
Taking certain medications
Some medications, including steroids, epilepsy medications, and some cancer treatments, can affect bone strength. Always consult with your doctor before changing or stopping any medication.
Reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis or breaking a bone
- Maintain a healthy weight Staying within the parameters of a normal BMI means your bones will bear less impact if you fall. If you’re underweight, your doctor might want check for underlying causes or advise on increasing your calorie intake.
- Eat a healthy diet Keep alcohol intake to a minimum and eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to help your body maintain bone production. Your doctor will advise whether you need to take supplements.
- Exercise Exercising creates a feedback loop that tells your bones that they need to grow stronger to cope with the increasing demands. Therefore, regular suitable, load-bearing exercise is recommended to help build bone strength.
- Take measures to prevent falls Ensure your home is clutter-free, and you have furniture or mobility aids to hold on to if you feel unsteady. Wear a sturdy pair of slippers indoors and well-fitting shoes outdoors. Discuss other falls prevention measures with your doctor or nurse.