🦴Osteoporosis used to be called as Brittle bones disease caused by low bone mineral density of 2.5 measured on specific bone scan called DXA scan .
🦴Osteoporosis is condition where bone mass decreases because of imbalance between new bone formation and ageing related bone degeneration (normal ageing changes) leading to increase risk of fracture (fragility)
🦴Fragility fracture is associated with fracture in bones/joints e.g spine, wrist/hand, hips or any other bones/joints as a result of a simple fall, bending or lifting activity.
🦴Fragility fractures usually go unnoticed and hence not detected easily
👵Women are more prone to develop osteoporosis especially due to decrease in oestrogen production in menopause > 50 years of age
⚠️Risk factors –
👉🏼Conditions – Diabetes II, Hyperthryroidism, Liver disease, kidney disease, pancreas, menopause, Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthropathies
💤Immobility
⬇️Low weight BMI < 18.5
🚭Smoking
🥃Alcohol > 3 units/day
👵Parents with hip fracture
💊Drugs such as steroids
🩺Assessment-
✍️Score called as FRAX or Q assessed by healthcare professional to plan to order DXA scan
If DXA scan shows osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density) then following management is recommended
👩⚕️Management
🥛Vitamin D ( fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables etc ) and Calcium ( low fat dairy products) via food intake as well as medications ( colecalciferol)
💊Bisphosphonates- bone protection medication prescribed by medical professionals
🏋️♀️Strength exercises including weight bearing activities such as walking, osteoporosis classes organised by local areas
🚭Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake <2 units/day
🚶♀️Falls risk should be evaluated and balance and coordination to improve
Contact us for more advice and guidance 📲
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/osteoporosis-prevention-of-fragility-fractures
https://www.nogg.org.uk/full-guideline/summary-main-recommendations
#osteoporosis #bonedensity #physiotherapy #physiotherapist #physiolife #physiotherapists #patienteducation #blogpost #educationalblog #educationblog