Understanding Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

The bones of your body undergo a constant state of rebuilding and remodeling. Aside from providing rigid support, your bones also store calcium.

Causes:

Small amounts of calcium are constantly being stores and deleted from the bones. Osteoporosis develops when more bone is being absorbed than is being replaced. The calcium deposits in the bones are thus reduced little by little causing porous openings to form inside the bones. Over time, progressive bone density loss results in weakness and increased possibility of fractures, such as a compression fracture of the vertebrae. These fractures may heal slowly and poorly. Osteoporosis usually develops over many years with no symptoms. Some factors which aid the progress of osteoporosis include prolonged calcium and protein deficiency and especially low estrogen levels after menopause. Though generally, Osteoarthritis is caused by trauma, it ususally affects multiple members of the same family. This implys that there are hereditary attributes towards the cause of the condition.Up to 60% of Osteoarthritis is caused by genetic factors.

Symptoms:

Osteoarthritis normally affects weight bearing joints like the hips and the knee joints but theoretically any joint area can be affected. The condition is usually defined by acute pain. Stiffness and loss of mobility or use of the affected joints are common. The Pain is typically described as a burning or sharp ache. A cracking sound can be heard from joints effected with this condition when they are moved or touched. The condition is also effected by humidity and cold weather negativly. 

Treatments:

With an effected area, effort made to controll weight, to exercise, gaining appropriate rest, and the use of medical support devices is positive. The intake of glucosamine helps for preventing OA. Large ammounts however dont aid treating already existing OA. Sugery is an option that can come to the rescue if all else fails. Surgeons can replace joints, remove fragments of bone, reposition bones and fusing bones to improve their stability and health. 

Find out more about Osteoporosis by visiting the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Related Stories

 - Medicare Part D Deadline
 - Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
 - Cartilage Transplants Help Repair Shoulder Joints