Osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis is often confused with osteoporosis. Both of these conditions deal with the breakdown of bone, but just in difference places.

Osteoporosis deals with the major part of the bone and osteoarthritis deals with the covering at the end of the bones that make up a joint.

Specifically, osteoporosis is a thinning of the bone that structural part of the bone.

These conditions also have different outward signs and symptoms. Osteoarthritis is painful, particularly with weight-bearing activities such as running and walking. Osteoporosis often does not cause pain, and people can often have it without knowing. Although osteoporosis does not frequently hurt, people with osteoporosis are more likely to experience stress fractures in their lower legs, compression fractures in their backs and hip fractures with falls. People with osteoporosis are twice to three times more likely to experience a fracture than someone with normal bone density.

Osteoporosis can be prevented with early detection, proper nutrition and exercise. Females are more likely than males to have issues with osteoporosis, but males do experience this condition too.

Generally, the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, but even teenagers can show signs of osteoporosis, frequent stress fractures are a red flag. A fancy, two-beam x-ray of common thinning areas such as the hip and spine is the way radiologists and your primary care physician will determine if you have osteoporosis. Proper nutrition to prevent osteoporosis starts at a young age. Your peak bone mass occurs in our twenties, so calcium intake with yogurt, cheese, and milk are very important in our youth.

Unfortunately, these items often compete with teenager’s preference for sodas and chips. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of the calcium for bone formation. Folic acid is an important vitamin involved in the formation of bone.

Although bone mass will slowly decrease after our twenties, continuing good diet and particular exercises programs can slow this process! There are other aspects that increase risk for osteoporosis including smoking, chronic alcohol use, and excessive caffeine.

Weight bearing exercise like walking and running is great for osteoporosis. When stressed our body responds by increased bone density. Weightlifting is great to maintaining bone density to reduce or avoid the effects of osteoporosis. For those affected by both Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, weightlifting is a great way to improve both of these conditions.

Increasing muscle mass increases bone density to help osteoarthritis and increases sock absorption to help osteoporosis. If you have any concerns about diagnosing osteoporosis, please consult your primary care physician. For women, gynecologists can often play a role in this too. If you wish to prevent or improve your bone density, do not hesitate to seek an exercise specialist such as a certified personal trainer or physical therapist.