Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the bone which leads to a reduction in the bone density. The density of the affected bones become lower and the bones become more fragile, and are therefore more likely to break, resulting in fractures.

 

Symptoms

 

Osteoporosis generally produces no symptoms on its own. If osteoporosis-related fracture occurs, there may be localized pain over the fracture sites. An osteoporotic fracture may occur even after relatively minor trauma or fall. Common sites of osteoporotic fracture include thigh bone (near the hip joint), spine (vertebrae) and forearm (near the wrist). The spine can fracture without any trauma. Vertebral fracture can result in a hunched-back and a decrease in body height.

 

 

Who are at risk of getting osteoporosis?

 

Generally speaking, the elderly and women are more likely to get osteoporosis. Regarding the situation in women, a lack of oestrogen with premature menopause (age < 40 years old), early menopause (age 40-45 years old) or after surgical removal of the ovaries might cause osteoporosis. Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and some medications including the long-term use of steroids may affect bone turnover. People who have an unhealthy lifestyle, for example, low calcium intake especially those who are having an unbalanced diet or on diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine intake, consuming too much sodium (salt) may get osteoporosis.

 

 

Should we drink milk to strengthen bones?

 

If you do not consume milk products, you may include other calcium rich foods such as soy bean products, seafood or fish eaten with bones, dark green vegetables, seeds and nuts throughout the day, to acquire the calcium your body needs.

 

Is “pork bone soup” a good source of calcium?

 

No. Calcium in pork or fish bones does not dissolve in water. Therefore, the calcium content in bone soup is low. In fact, this stew is high in fat (especially saturated fat) and sugar.

 

How do I know if I was suffering from osteoporosis?

 

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA): It is specifically used in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effect for osteoporosis.

 

 

Bone mineral loss is a natural phenomenon of aging / when one gets older. Building strong healthy bone during childhood and adolescence can reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis. Besides, maintain a healthy lifestyle can help to slow down further loss of bone mass and to prevent future fractures in persons diagnosed with osteoporosis. Nowadays, there are medications that can effectively reduce the bone mineral loss and increase bone density. If you have any queries, please seek advice from your family doctor or specialist in Orthopedics.

 

Reference: https://www.fhs.gov.hk/tc_chi/health_info/woman/14741.html

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.