Osteoporosis disease makes bones hollow, know the causes and prevention measures: World Osteoporosis Day

Osteoporosis Causes & Symptoms (World Osteoporosis Day): On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, Maringo Asia Hospitals Gurugram supported global efforts to raise awareness about the disease. This is a disease which is called 'silent thief' because it progresses without any symptoms, due to which millions of people become victims of fractures. This year's theme is 'Say No to Fragile Bones'. Maringo Hospital aims to educate people about the importance of early detection and proactive measures for healthy bones and a better quality life.

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When is World Osteoporosis Day?

World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on 20 October, and aims to focus attention on osteoporosis and encourage people of all ages to value and protect their bones. The Orthopedics department at Maringo Asia Hospitals Gurugram is headed by Dr. Hemant Sharma who is the Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery, while Dr. Rajesh Verma is the Director of the Department of Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery.

Osteoporosis statistics

Osteoporosis is a problem that affects about 200 million people worldwide. Women are at greater risk after menopause. However, even men are not spared from falling prey to it, hence it is important for everyone to understand the risks associated with weak bones. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can lead to loss of a person's independence, disability and increase in mortality, hence prevention of this disease and its early management becomes necessary.

How much calcium is necessary?

Although the problem of osteoporosis occurs in adults, its origin often lies in childhood. This is why doctors ask people to give the right amount of calcium and vitamin D to children and newborns. Calcium absorption is highest during child's growth, which is about 75%, whereas as we grow up, we are able to absorb only 20 to 40% of the total calcium intake.

In such a situation, deficiency of Vitamin D in the body also increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures, therefore, in the treatment of osteoporosis patients, not only calcium supplementation but also Vitamin D supplementation should be done. The amount of bone mass is approximately 60%, so if the mother has an osteoporotic fracture, the daughter is also at risk of osteoporosis.

Expert opinion

Dr. Hemant Sharma, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery, said, “It is the responsibility of all doctors and hospitals to give priority to bone health. With more than 37 million fractures worldwide each year, osteoporosis also places a huge economic burden on people's health worldwide. Many hospitals have prioritized bone health in a number of ways, including post-fracture care services. In such hospitals, people over the age of 50 who break a bone are assessed by a specialist and treated for osteoporosis to prevent recurring and potentially life-threatening fractures.

How to prevent osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is usually first detected after a fracture, but by then a lot of bone loss has already occurred. In such a situation, it is important to get bone density testing done regularly, especially for people above 50 years of age. “Prevention is very important to avoid any problem, some simple changes in lifestyle, proper nutrition, regular exercise and early medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of fracture.”

How to identify osteoporosis?

Dr. Rajesh Verma, Director of the Department of Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery, said, “Bone health is very precious. Healthy bones are the foundation of our health, mobility and independence. People of all ages should prevent osteoporosis by maintaining healthy bones, regular physical activity, weight lifting and avoiding bad habits such as smoking. Osteoporosis is a serious risk that can have serious consequences.

In such a situation, every person should understand his risk, give priority to bone health like heart health, after identifying risk factors, get osteoporosis screening or test done and take prescribed medicines. “Through these strategies, we can improve osteoporosis care, and protect our mobility and independence as we age.”

Who is at risk of osteoporosis?

Dr Saurabh Lal, Vice President and Facility Director, Maringo Asia Hospitals Gurugram, said, “People who do not follow a healthy lifestyle are at risk of osteoporosis. That is, people who do not take adequate nutrition, do not do physical activity, consume excessive alcohol, caffeine and smoke are at greater risk. However, sometimes developing osteoporosis is not just a matter of genetics or lifestyle. We have patients who have osteoporosis as a result of another serious illness or medication use. Maringo Asia Hospitals Gurugram provides timely advanced treatment to people suffering from osteoporosis.”

treatment of osteoporosis

Early measures to prevent osteoporosis include regular checkups. Especially people over the age of 50 or those with a family history of osteoporosis need to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to maintain the proper nutrition needed for strong bones. Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises should be done, which can help slow down bone loss. Do not do such things in your routine which adversely affect the health of bones. People at higher risk may also benefit from medications to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.

What does research say?

World Osteoporosis Day survey reveals poor post-fracture care and neglect of bone health. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) survey revealed that broken bones affect almost one in every two women. This survey was conducted on more than 7000 women aged 60 years and above from five countries. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will have osteoporosis-related fractures in their lifetime. Globally, osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually, or one fracture every three seconds.

After hip fracture, 20% of patients die within a year, while 30% become permanently disabled. Osteoporosis is a common problem in India, it is estimated that the number of people affected by it is 61 million, 20% of women above 50 years of age have this problem. The disease occurs earlier in India than in Western countries, and there is a lack of information about screening and treatment.