As we age, our bones become more porous, and both men and women become prone to brittle bones, or osteoporosis. According to the National Institutes of Health:
“As we get older, we begin to lose more bone than we build. The tiny holes within bones get bigger, and the solid outer layer becomes thinner. In other words, our bones get less dense. Hard bones turn spongy, and spongy bones turn spongier. If this loss of bone density goes too far, it’s called osteoporosis. Over 10 million people nationwide are estimated to have osteoporosis.”
On the rehabilitation unit at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, we have patients who have experienced a hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis also is common in the wrist and spine. Unless bone density testing is done, people may not know they have osteoporosis.
For example, one 88-year-old woman who became a patient in our rehab unit had been setting up centerpieces at a card party. She accidentally walked into the corner of a table, heard a cracking in her hip, and fell to the floor. She ended up having a hip replacement and was successful in rehabilitation. She was open to learning all she could to keep her bones healthy, even at the age of 88. Here are some important facts we provided to her and many other patients.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
Your doctor will order a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, which is a bone mineral density test of the hip and spine. The results are reported as a “T score,” which indicates how your bone mineral density compares to that of a healthy 30-year-old. Scores of -2.5 or lower are considered osteoporosis. Scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate osteopenia (lower-than-normal density, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis).
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis, and dancing, and getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D are imperative.
Women over 50 should have 1200 mg of calcium with vitamin D daily. Men age 50-70 should have 1000 mg of calcium with vitamin D daily, and those over 70 should have 1200 mg. A healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables also increases calcium.
In addition, you should make preventing falls in the home a priority. Here are some tips to do just that:
- Scan the environment for clutter, and take steps to prevent it.
- Make sure throw rugs have rubber backings so they do not slip.
- Keep a flashlight at the bedside if you need to get up at night and are not close to a light.
- Do not wear socks or stockings without shoes.
- Exercise to improve balance and coordination.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Treatment can include medications like bisphosphonates, which slow or prevent the loss of bone mass. Other categories of medicine can also help to restore bone loss. Working with your personal physician to develop a plan that includes diet, exercise, and medication can prevent a facture and the complications that can go with it. More important is detection and prevention!
To find an excellent doctor who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.
References:
Osteoporosis (2015). National Institutes of Health. http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/jan2015/feature1
Harvard Medical School (2009). Osteopenia, when you have weak bones but not osteoporosis. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Osteopenia_When_you_have_weak_bones.htm