Popular Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

Thinning of bones and increased likelihood of fractures are the main features of osteoporosis. Bones become abnormally porous and compressible like a sponge. This weakens the structure of the bones, causing them to break easily. Many people believe that only older women are affected by osteoporosis, but it affects both sexes. Bone density starts to decrease after the age of 35 to 40, and it decreases faster in women after menopause.

Major factors for osteoporosis include genetic predisposition, deficiency of certain hormones such as estrogen in women and androgen in men, lack of exercise, calcium and vitamin deficiencies, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a history of rheumatoid arthritis, being underweight, and a family history of osteoporosis.

It is mainly diagnosed by X-rays and confirmed by bone density tests. In the early stages of the disease, there may be mild pain in the bones or muscles, especially in the lower back or neck. As the disease progresses, the pain comes on suddenly and for no apparent reason and does not spread to other parts of the body. The pain may become more severe when there is more pressure on these areas.

The best osteoporosis treatment aims to reduce mineral loss, improve bone density, manage pain caused by the disease, and prevent frequent fractures. Treatment for osteoporosis includes medication, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising, and increasing calcium and vitamin D intake.

Osteoporosis – Treatment

The latest treatment for osteoporosis is a combination of diet, exercise, and medication.

Medications

Experts recommend a variety of medications for osteoporosis.

 Estrogen

To treat osteoporosis, estrogen supplementation is needed because it can reduce the loss of bone mass. If a woman has just entered menopause, starting estrogen therapy can help reduce the risk of future hip fractures. Estrogen can be taken orally or as a transdermal patch.

Postmenopausal women can also take estrogen replacement therapy because it has been shown to be effective in treating osteoporosis.

 SERMs

SERMs stand for selective estrogen receptor modulators and are the latest advance in osteoporosis treatment. They are an option for women who cannot or do not want to take estrogen. This may be the case, for example, for women with a family history of breast cancer, as treatment for some types of breast cancer also helps protect bones.

 Calcium

In addition to estrogen therapy, it is recommended to take calcium tablets to increase bone mass. The body can only absorb about 600 mg of calcium at a time, so it is recommended to take calcium supplements with breakfast and dinner to reach the recommended daily intake of 1,200 to 1,500 mg.

 Vitamin D

Vitamin D capsules are available as an over-the-counter medication and are necessary to increase bone density. Doctors recommend taking about 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D.

 Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonate medications have been shown to slow bone loss and even increase bone density in some cases. Your doctor can evaluate the effectiveness of these medications by performing a DXA every two years and comparing the results. Your doctor will recommend that you stand or sit upright and not eat or drink anything other than water for half an hour to reduce the risk of heartburn and esophageal ulcers. Before you start taking these medications, your doctor will determine if your blood contains enough calcium and if your kidneys are functioning optimally.

Nutritional Treatment

Bone density reaches its maximum at age 25, after which it begins to deteriorate and is accelerated by other factors. Adults in this age group are advised to build optimal bone mass by supplementing their diet with adequate calcium. The recommended daily intake is about 1,000 mg. This can be achieved by taking calcium-fortified orange juice, drinking milk, or eating calcium-rich foods such as salmon. Foods rich in calcium, phosphates, and vitamins help prevent osteoporosis and speed up treatment. Scientific studies have shown that reducing salt intake, limiting coffee, tea, and soda intake, and reducing alcohol intake are effective proven treatments for osteoporosis.

Exercise

Exercise is recommended to maintain a normal weight. Weight-bearing, essentially light exercise should be performed, such as: walking, aerobics, swimming, or cycling. Studies have shown that exercise forces the muscles to pull on the bones, helping bones maintain density. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Specialists

Consultation with an orthopedic specialist (also known as an orthopedic surgeon) is required to treat fractures of the spine, hip, or waist. Additionally, people with a history of fractures or a genetic predisposition are advised to see a physical or occupational therapist, who can advise them on safe ways to exercise.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that can have a significant impact on a person's life. In addition to the treatments we've discussed, patients can use home remedies to manage their condition as the disease progresses. Specialists may recommend fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin D, as well as other foods such as fish, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.

Osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed, but it can be effectively treated.