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Almost three million Britons have osteoporosis. the condition weakens the bones and an estimated 500,000 fractures occur because of it every year. to mark World Osteoporosis Day on saturday, here’s what you need to know about your bones...
BY MICHELE O’CONNOR “OsteOpOrOsis is a condition in which bones lose their strength and are more likely to break, usually following a minor bump or fall,” said sarah Leyland, osteoporosis nurse consultant at the National Osteoporosis society.
“It can cause painful and debilitating broken bones in various parts of the body, but the wrists, hips and spine are the most commonly affected sites.”
She explained that, just like muscle, bone is a living, growing tissue that is continually broken down and rebuilt in a process known as “remodelling”.
During childhood and adolescence, bone is laid down faster than it is lost, so our bones become increasingly dense until the age of 18-25, when peak mass is achieved.
After this point, bones undergo a constant process of renewal, whereby worn-out bone is removed and replaced by new tissue. If you lose more than you replace, they slowly become weaker, which can lead to osteoporosis – thinner, fragile bones. ● Osteoporosis is very common. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone because of the condition. ● One in five women who have broken a bone will break three or more before being diagnosed with osteoporosis. ● Treating and looking after people who have suffered fractures caused by osteoporosis costs £4.4billion in health and social care each year. chest infections, blood clots and just being less well in general.”
And take note if you’re aware you – or a loved one – are getting shorter, she added. “A loss of height is a red flag for multiple spinal fractures, as the bones of the spinal column become weakened and compressed. This impacts on quality of life, mobility and increasing frailness.” fractures are more common in women because bone loss is more rapid for several years after the menopause, when oestrogen hormone levels decrease. Women also tend to have smaller bones tha men and live longer – with loss of bone tissue continuing – making broken bones due to osteoporosis more likely.
Genes: These determine our risk osteoporosis to a large extent, although there isn’t a simple genetic test for osteoporosis. Research has shown if one of your parents had a broken hip, you’re more likely to break one yourself. ●Some medications: The side effec of certain drugs can increase risk. These include glucocorticoid