Osteoporosis Overview: Causes, Symptoms, and How It’s Treated
Osteoporosis weakens bones and raises fracture risk. Learn the causes, warning signs, and treatment options to protect your bone health and manage this common condition effectively.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Often called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis develops gradually without obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs, usually in the hip, spine, or wrist. Understanding what osteoporosis is, along with its causes, risk factors, and treatment options, is essential for prevention and long-term bone health.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Bones are living tissue, constantly broken down and rebuilt in a process called bone remodeling. Osteoporosis happens when bone breakdown (resorption) outpaces bone formation. Several factors contribute:
- Age: Bone density peaks in your 20s–30s and declines with age.
- Hormones: Estrogen (in women) and testosterone (in men) help maintain bone mass. Postmenopausal women face rapid bone loss due to declining estrogen.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low calcium and vitamin D intake weaken bones.
- Medical conditions: Thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and chronic kidney disease increase risk.
- Medications: Long-term steroid use, some cancer treatments, and anti-seizure drugs affect bone strength.
Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Not everyone develops osteoporosis, but some factors raise risk:
- Gender: Women are at higher risk, especially postmenopause.
- Age: Risk rises significantly after 50.
- Family history: Having a parent with osteoporosis or hip fracture increases likelihood.
- Body type: Thin or small-framed individuals are more vulnerable.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol, low physical activity, and poor nutrition accelerate bone loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often silent until a fracture occurs, but there are subtle warning signs:
- Sudden back pain or loss of height
- Stooped posture (kyphosis)
- Bone fractures after minor falls or routine activities
- Weak grip strength (a predictor of bone weakness)
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Osteoporosis Prevention Strategies
Prevention starts early, ideally in childhood and early adulthood, when bone mass is still building:
- Eat a bone-friendly diet: Rich in dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and fortified foods.
- Stay active: Activities like walking, dancing, or resistance training keep bones strong.
- Regular screenings: Postmenopausal women and older men should ask about bone density tests.
Quick Reference: Osteoporosis at a Glance
Aspect | Key Facts |
Definition | Bone-thinning disease that raises fracture risk |
Who’s at risk | Postmenopausal women, older adults, family history |
Silent signs | Back pain, height loss, stooped posture |
Diagnosis | DEXA scan, lab tests, risk calculators |
Treatment | Medications, supplements, exercise, lifestyle |
Conclusion — Taking Charge of Bone Health
So, what is osteoporosis? It’s a progressive condition that weakens bones silently until fractures appear. The good news is that osteoporosis can be managed—and even prevented—with lifestyle changes, early screening, and effective treatments.
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