What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones in the body become fragile over time. Because of the frailness of these bones, they are more susceptible to breaking even with minor injuries. It may also cause problems with prolonged healing from the fracture. Many times osteoporosis will go unnoticed as there are no clear signs or symptoms of the disease. This also puts the person with the condition at increased risk of abrupt and unexpected fractures.
Who can develop osteoporosis?
Over 50 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis. It is more common in seniors- particularly women. This is because, during menopause, women lose bone faster over the course of a few years. Men and women do not begin to lose bone at the same rate until around the age of 65. Also, it is believed that men initially have higher bone densities than women. Certain ethnicities such as Asians and Caucasians are also more prone to this condition.
Where is the difference between osteoporosis versus osteopenia?
Osteopenia is a condition between normal bones and osteoporosis. After the age of 50, 1 in 3 people are at risk for osteopenia. If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with osteopenia, this means you may still have time to take the appropriate steps to prevent osteoporosis and further bone loss.
Where does osteoporosis occur?
This disease can occur in any bone. History of fractures due to osteoporosis usually occurs in the:
