Horizon Hospital - Thane

Build Better Bones, Go For Regular Bone Mineral Density Screening

India Has 61 million Osteoporosis Patients, 80% Women

Osteoporosis is a silent medical condition, especially among the elderly population. It continues to be a global health concern. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that happens gradually when the bone mineral density and bone mass decrease. In India, around 61 million patients are affected with Osteoporosis, of which 80 percent are women. Osteoporosis is a disease, that weakens the bones making them thinner and less dense leading to fracture. According to the World Health Organization, 30% of post-menopausal women suffer from osteoporosis.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bone.’ It is a condition where bones become thin and lose strength as they become less dense. This disease does not immediately cause pain and is often called a ‘silent disease’ as most people are diagnosed with the condition only after they suffer a fracture. Actually, we are looking at the tip of the iceberg. People do not pay attention unless they develop a fracture. By that time, it is very late”.

Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya further added “According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 and above will sustain a fragility fracture (fracture from a minimal trauma) due to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetimes.  The Foundation also notes that even after sustaining a fragility fracture, around 80 percent of patients are still not diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis, the underlying disease that caused the fracture. Osteoporosis cannot be completely stopped or reversed, but it can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “In the Indian population, the age of onset of osteoporosis is a few years earlier than in the western population. Thus, we are noticing more and more cases. Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, as it is a silent disease without obvious symptoms. Many people in India may not be aware of the importance of bone health, especially in younger age groups. During childhood, bones are constantly growing and remodelling. Proper nutrition and physical activity, play a vital role in this process, ensuring the formation of strong and dense bones. The consequences of osteoporosis are more commonly observed in older adults, as bone mass naturally declines with age, and the effects of reduced bone density become more significant. Children without adequate intake of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise, or those grappling with health conditions that impede bone development, are at risk of failing to achieve optimal bone mass. Consequently, these individuals face a heightened likelihood of developing osteoporosis in later life.”

Dr Milind Ghare, Leading Rheumatologist and Consultant, Horizon Prime Hospital said “Age plays a pivotal role in bone health. As individuals grow older, bones naturally become thinner and weaker. This process starts subtly and can go unnoticed until a fracture occurs. The risk increases significantly as one crosses the 50-year mark.  Body size is another factor due to which Osteoporosis begins early. Small, thin-boned individuals, especially women, are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. This is because they may have less bone mass to draw from as ageing progresses”.

Many factors are associated with osteoporosis and may increase its risk. These are gender, advancing age after menopause, low body mass index (BMI), family history, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption. Usually, there are no symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis. But once the bones have been weakened by the disease – back pain, loss of height over time and a stooped posture can occur. The worst outcomes of the disease – fractures and chronic pain – are common in both genders. However, women are more vulnerable.

Dr Milind Ghare further said “An inactive lifestyle, smoking, and heavy consumption of alcohol are examples of lifestyle variables that aggravate bone loss. Furthermore, several diseases and drugs can accelerate the breaking down of bone, increasing the risk of osteoporosis”.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis risk increases with age causing decreased bone density. It is often called a silent disease that usually causes no symptoms. Many people detect it when they suffer a broken bone from a minor fall or bump.

 Some of the common symptoms include:

• Stooping back
• Loss of height
• Shortness of breath
• Bone fractures
• Lower back pain and Joint Pain
• Headaches

Causes

Our bones develop and grow from birth to adulthood until they achieve peak bone mass in the early twenties during which they are at their strongest, densest, and least likely to fracture. Bone is regularly replaced throughout our lifetime, with new bone replacing old bone.

In people suffering from osteoporosis, the lost bone is not replaced, causing the bones to become brittle, leading to breakage over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because one broken bone increases the risk of more broken bones.

Risk Factors

• Women over the age of 50 years
• Thin and small body frame
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise
• Diet low in calcium
• Certain medical conditions
• Insufficient intake of vitamin D

Diagnosis

Bone Density Test : An osteoporosis diagnosis is made by a medical professional using a bone density test. An imaging examination that gauges the strength of your bones is called a bone density test. It measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones using X-rays. Bone density tests are frequently referred to as DEXA, DXA, or bone density scans by medical professionals. These are all distinct titles for the same examination. A bone density test measures the mineral content and density of your bones using low doses of X-rays. It resembles a standard X-ray.  This test does not involve any injections or needles.

The easiest approach to diagnose osteoporosis before it causes a bone fracture is to get your bone density checked. If you have osteopenia, are over 50, or have a family history of osteoporosis, your doctor may advise you to undergo routine bone density testing.

Treatment

Osteoporosis treatment aims to strengthen bones, prevent further bone loss, and reduce the risk of fractures. The specific approach to treatment may vary based on an individual’s risk factors, bone density, and overall health. Common strategies for managing osteoporosis include:

• Medications: Several types of medications are available to treat osteoporosis. Doctor will prescribe some medications for treating osteoporosis after diagnosing the condition thoroughly, according to age, stage and level of pain.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help manage osteoporosis:
• Regular Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and balance exercises can improve bone strength and reduce the risk of falls.
• Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients essential for bone health.
• Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to bone loss; therefore, minimizing these habits is advisable.
• Fall Prevention: Taking precautions to prevent falls is crucial to avoid fractures
• Home Safety Measures: Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, ensure proper lighting, and use non-slip rugs or mats.
• Assistive Devices: Use canes or walkers if needed for stability and safety.
• Regular Bone Density Testing: Periodic bone density tests help monitor bone health and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Treatment plans should be personalized based on an individual’s specific circumstances and medical history.

The Final Takeaway

Even if we are a sunlit country, we have so much pollution that the ultraviolet rays required to form Vitamin D in the skin do not reach us. Vitamin D is not present in most foods, except maybe in fish oil. There is no cure for osteoporosis, however, proper treatment can help protect and strengthen the bones. Several bisphosphonates can help preserve bone density and strength to treat osteoporosis by slowing down bone loss.  To conclude, if you suffer from osteoporosis already, you can also slow your bone loss rate with a certain course of treatment. Consult the doctor immediately if you face any of the symptoms of osteoporosis to avoid any mishap.

Horizon Prime Hospital Orthopaedics department is a comprehensive centre that is dedicated to the bone, muscle, and joint health. We provide a wide range of care including diagnostic care, medication, physiotherapy, dietary guidance, and preventive care.

At Horizon Prime Hospital, we help you reduce the risk and manage osteoporosis better. We aim to assist the patients while easing their symptoms with the help of cutting-edge technology and the most advanced multi-disciplinary treatments.