Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin, brittle, and weak, increasing the risk of fractures. The hip, spine, and wrist bones are usually affected, but the condition can impact any bone in the body. Although osteoporosis is incurable, there are several ways to lessen its impact. Here are five ways the condition is treated:
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Doctors recommend getting enough calcium, which gives bones structure and density. Good food sources include dairy products, almonds, kale, and fortified juices. Reduce your sugar and salt intake, which can quicken your body’s calcium loss.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so maintaining adequate blood levels of vitamin D enhances bone health. The body makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but taking supplements or adjusting diet is often beneficial during seasons of limited sun exposure. Fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk are good sources of vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin D you need based on age and lifestyle.
Medications
Doctors might prescribe medications to prevent bone loss or promote bone growth. Bisphosphonates can inhibit bone breakdown and resorption. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) mimic estrogen’s effect on bones. An injection may also slow bone breakdown. Osteoporosis medication treatments may be adjusted based on the results of a bone mineral density test. Doctors monitor your progress and decide whether to continue, change, or stop medications.
Falls Prevention
Reducing your risk of falls, which frequently cause hip fractures, helps prevent osteoporotic fractures. Involving your family in treatment planning helps them support changes to your environment. Your loved ones can encourage you to make modifications, like adding handrails and non-slip surfaces to your home to reduce fall risks. They may be able to help you establish an exercise routine. Exercises for balance support stability and reduce the likelihood of falls. Wearing supportive shoes with non-skid soles also promotes safety as patients complete daily activities. Schedule hearing and vision exams, as these sensory impairments increase the risk of falls.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
For postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) provides estrogen, which may help slow or stop bone loss after menopause. Your doctor can determine if HRT is right for you based on your medical history and fracture risk. If your doctor does not recommend HRT, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may provide some of the same bone-building effects.
Follow-ups
Stay on track with prescribed bone-building medications and recommended calcium or vitamin D supplements. Attending regular medical appointments helps monitor how well your osteoporosis treatments work over time. Doctors can adjust medications if needed based on your progress. Ongoing medical care manages your bone density and overall health.
Schedule an Osteoporosis Appointment Today
Many tools are available to help strengthen your bones, including supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes. Adopting a regular low-impact exercise routine like walking, tennis, or dancing might also increase bone strength and reduce fractures. With your doctor’s guidance, develop the best treatment plan for you. Talk to an orthopedic surgeon today to learn more about managing osteoporosis.