Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by decreased bone mineral density, which results in changes in the mass and structure of bones. This condition leads to bones becoming weak and brittle. The term "Osteoporosis" does not mean the total disappearance of bones, but rather a decrease in bone density and increased fragility associated with it. Bones are interconnected by strong collagen fibers and consist of calcium salts and minerals. The most common symptoms of osteoporosis include a hunched back, height loss, risk of fractures even with minor bumps, lower back and back pain.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Due to the deterioration in the quality and density of bone mass, bone strength loss occurs. This situation increases bone fragility, leading individuals to face fractures even from minor accidents. Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Patients need to be cautious.
- Sudden bone fractures
- Easily broken bones
- Hunched posture
- Spinal deformity
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Gum recession
- Height reduction
Causes of Osteoporosis
With the influence of age, the rate of osteoporosis increases in both women and men. Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis or spine or hip fractures have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Long-term use of cortisone, some epilepsy, and cancer medications can also cause osteoporosis.
- Heredity
- Chronic diseases
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Calcium deficiency
- Menopause
- Old age
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive caffeine consumption
Precautions for Osteoporosis
The treatment of osteoporosis aims to strengthen the bones by increasing their quality and thereby preventing fractures. During the treatment process, calcium and vitamin D supplements are provided, and medications that promote bone formation, physical activity, walking, body flexibility exercises, yoga, and rhythm-based dances are recommended. Foods such as dairy products, broccoli, soybeans, fish, figs, oranges, mushrooms, oats, salmon, cereals, and sardines can play a supportive role against osteoporosis. For detailed information and questions, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Why Are Calcium and Vitamin D Intake Important?
The most critical factors in reducing the risk of osteoporosis are calcium and vitamin D intake. Calcium is one of the fundamental components of bone structure, and its deficiency causes a decrease in bone density over the years. Adequate levels of vitamin D are required for the effective utilization of calcium by the body. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the intestines, thereby helping to strengthen the bones.
Daily calcium requirements can vary depending on age and gender. In adults, it is generally around 1000-1200 mg. The daily vitamin D requirement averages 600-800 IU. Sunlight is an important source for vitamin D synthesis; however, supplementation may be required for individuals who cannot get sufficient sun exposure. Especially women in the menopause period and elderly individuals should be monitored by their healthcare provider concerning calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis in the Legs?
Although osteoporosis is generally seen in the spine, hip, and wrist, symptoms related to decreased bone density can also appear in the legs. Symptoms of osteoporosis in the legs may include fractures caused by light impacts, leg pain, muscle weakness, and walking difficulties. Particularly in elderly individuals, imbalance in the legs increases the risk of falls and paves the way for fractures.
Weakening of the leg muscles, reduced walking distance, and frequent feelings of fatigue in the legs may also indicate that bone health is compromised. Therefore, when such symptoms are noticed, a physician should be consulted without delay, and necessary tests should be conducted.
How to Protect Against Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a preventable disease. Regular exercise, a balanced and calcium-rich diet, adequate exposure to sunlight, and avoiding harmful habits that negatively affect bone health are extremely important in this process. Measures taken during childhood and adolescence, when bone development is intense, can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis in advanced ages.
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the main factors that negatively affect bone health. Precautions against osteoporosis should include regular bone density measurements, and individuals in the risk group should not neglect their routine check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is osteoporosis and who is it more common in?
Osteoporosis, medically known as osteoporosis, is a skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone tissue density and deterioration in structural integrity. This condition gradually weakens the bones and makes them more fragile. It usually progresses silently and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. The groups in which osteoporosis is most commonly seen are individuals over the age of 50, especially women in the post-menopausal period. The reduction of the estrogen hormone with menopause is one of the main factors that accelerate bone loss. Those with genetic predispositions, a family history of osteoporosis, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment, those with thyroid disorders or rheumatic diseases are also at risk. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking and alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, and a thin body structure can also be effective in the development of osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because it often progresses without symptoms. As the disease progresses, various physical symptoms may appear. The most common of these are chronic pain in the back and lower back regions, especially the curvature and height reduction due to the weakening of the vertebrae. In advanced osteoporosis, even during daily activities (for example, after coughing, bending, or minor falls), bone fractures may occur. Hip, wrist, and spine fractures are among the typical complications of this disease. Some patients may also experience gum recession and weakness in the jawbone. Deformities in the skeletal system, deterioration in posture, and restriction of movement are also among the symptoms of the disease.
Do calcium and vitamin D supplements prevent osteoporosis?
Calcium and vitamin D are two essential micronutrients for maintaining bone health. Calcium is the building block of bone tissue and helps maintain bone density, while vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium from the intestines and its transportation to the bones. When these two substances are taken in sufficient levels, especially early on, they can slow bone loss and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Taking supplements alone is not sufficient to prevent osteoporosis. A balanced and bone-friendly diet, regular weight-bearing exercises (such as walking, climbing stairs, dancing), exposure to sunlight, and lifestyle changes should support it. Each individual's required amount of calcium and vitamin D may vary. Therefore, supplement use should always be planned according to a doctor's recommendation.
How is osteoporosis in the legs understood?
Although osteoporosis is more common in areas such as the spine, hip, and wrist, leg bones can also be affected. Osteoporosis in the legs can show itself through certain specific symptoms. Unexplained pain around the knee or in the thigh bone (femur), especially, is one of the early warnings to pay attention to. Additionally, fractures occurring in bones after a minor fall or bump may signal that the disease is progressing. If an individual experiences balance loss while walking, struggles to step, experiences decreased muscle strength, and feels general weakness in the legs, this may be due to the weakening of the bone structure. If the person starts having difficulty with daily activities or cannot move as comfortably as before, it is an important sign. In the presence of these symptoms, an assessment should be done using bone density measurement (DEXA) tests, and the appropriate treatment process should be initiated.