Loss of Bone Strength
What is loss of bone strength?
People often confuse between joint degeneration (arthritis) and loss of bone strength (osteoporosis). Osteoarthritis is a part of ageing and Osteoporosis can happen at any age.
Both problems may coexist in the same patient. Osteoporosis is a reduction in the density of bone, making it weaker.
People may sustain fragility fractures. Fragility fractures means trivial trauma may also produce a fracture like slipping off, missing a step etc..
Causes of osteoporosis
The reasons for osteoporosis are age, female gender, hormonal problems (thyroid, parathyroid), menopause, food habits, poor sunlight exposure, sedentary lifestyle, exercise patterns, smoking, alcohol, genetics, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and malabsorption syndrome.
Concept of peak Bone Mineral Density (BMD) index
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a measure of the density of bone. God has blessed us to have the peak BMD at the age of 25 years after which there is a steady fall in strength every year.
There are two lessons to learn here. Exercising and consuming a healthy diet in the teenage and young adulthood is the basis for peak BMD at 25 years. This is the foundation for future.
After age 25 years, the decline of BMD every year can be controlled again with good diet, exercise and lifestyle.
BMD is assessed using screening test like Ultrasound of heelpad or more accurate tests like DEXA (Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry).
Treatment for osteoporosis
The treatment differs based on the BMD value and any coexisting hormonal or medical diseases. Apart from calcium and vitamin D tablets, there are many injections and nasal sprays also to help treat osteoporosis.
Conclusion
If Osteoporosis happens, simple ankle twists and falls during walking and running can cause fractures. Remember, many runners don’t know they have osteoporosis as it may cause only fatigue and no other symptoms.
Dr Suman CPS
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon
Sports injuries and arthritis specialist
VGM Hospital
