as of November 21, 2009
Osteoporosis Corner
OVERVIEW
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.
Usually, the loss occurs gradually over years. Many times, a person will have a fracture before becoming aware that the disease is present. By the time this occurs, the disease is in its advanced stages and damage is severe.
The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Women, especially those over age 50, get osteoporosis more often than men.
Other causes include:
-Being confined to a bed
-Cushing syndrome
-Excess corticosteroid levels due to ongoing use of medicines for asthma, certain forms of arthritis or skin diseases, and COPD.
-Hyperthyroidism
-Hyperparathyroidism
-Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
SYMPTOMS
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
-Bone pain or tenderness
-Fractures with little or no trauma
-Loss of height over time
-Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
-Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
-Stooped posture
CARE/TREATMENT
The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to:
-Control pain from the disease
-Slow down or stop bone loss
-Prevent bone fractures with medicines that strengthen bone
-Minimize the risk of falls that might cause fractures
-There are several different treatments for osteoporosis, including a variety of medications.
BISPHOSPHONATES
Bisphosphonates are a type of drug used for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
CALCITONIN
Calcitonin is a medicine that slows the rate of bone loss and relieves bone pain. It comes as a nasal spray or injection.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Estrogens are still used to prevent osteoporosis but are not approved to treat a woman who has already been diagnosed with the condition.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Some of the recommended exercises include:
-Weight-bearing exercises -- walking, jogging, playing tennis, dancing
-Resistance exercises -- free weights, weight machines, stretch bands
-Balance exercises -- tai chi, yoga
-Riding stationary bicycles
-Using rowing machines
-Walking
-Jogging
-Avoid any exercise that presents a risk of falling.
DIET
Get at least 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium, and 800 - 1,000 international units of vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.Your doctor may recommend a supplement to give you the calcium and vitamin D you need.
STOP UNHEALTHY HABITS
Quit smoking, if you smoke. Also limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can damage your bones, as well as put you at risk for falling and breaking a bone.
PREVENT FALLS
It is critical to prevent falls. Avoid sedating medications and remove household hazards to reduce the risk of fractures. Make sure your vision is good. Other ways to prevent falling include:
-Avoiding walking alone on icy days
-Using bars in the bathtub, when needed
-Wearing well-fitting shoes
PREVENTION
Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.
Other tips for prevention:
-Avoid drinking excess alcohol
-Don't smoke
-Get regular exercise
A number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.
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Resources
National Osteoporosis Foundation
National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases
MedlinePlus: Osteoporosis
In the News: Osteoporosis
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171780.php
Cartilage structures and functions can relatively easily be harmed, often resulting in damage. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that is found in many areas of the body. This fine, rubbery tissue mainly functions as a cushion for bones at joints. The English word "cartilage" comes from the Latin word cartilage, which means "cartilage" or "gristle".
What Is Bone Cancer (Sarcoma)? What Causes Bone Cancer?
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171372.php
Bone cancer is an uncommon cancer that begins in a bone. It can originate in any bone in the body, but the long bones that make up the arms and legs are most commonly affected. Several types of bone cancer exist. Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. Primary bone cancer is cancer that starts in the bone.