What is osteoporosis, how do you prevent it, what are the symptoms and how is it treated?

BONES support our entire frame and a problem with our skeleton can make it difficult or painful to move.

Osteoporosis differs from brittle bone disease, otherwise known as osteogenesis imperfecta, which is a congenital disease and present from birth.

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What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition which affects the bones, weakening them over time, and affects over three million people in the UK alone.

It is caused by the loss of density in the bones and affects women more than men, often soon after they start the menopause.

Losing bone mass is part of the natural ageing process, but some people lose it much faster than others which can leave them at risk.

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Fragile bone makes them delicate and easily broken, with sufferers often receiving fractures due to minor falls or a sudden impact, such as a sneeze.

The most commonly affected areas are the hip and wrist, but other bones such as the arm, pelvis or spine can also be affected.

More than 500,000 people receive hospital treatment for fractures related to osteoporosis.

How do you prevent it?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

These include having a low Body Mass Index (BMI), heavy drinking or smoking, a family history of osteoporosis or long-term use of certain medications which affect hormone level or bone density.

Stopping smoking, cutting down on drinking and ensuring you have a healthy BMI are all lifestyle changes you can make.

Taking regular exercise and eating healthier are all preventative measures you can take.

Try focusing on foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as taking a daily supplement of vitamin D.

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What are the symptoms?

Often osteoporosis will go unnoticed until an initial fall or impact causes a fracture, leading to its diagnosis.

The condition is not painful until the fractures begin, but spinal fractures can often leave people in chronic long-term pain.

A stooped back is often a characteristic of someone with osteoporosis due to the fractures in the spine.

How is it treated?

Treatment for osteoporosis is based around preventing fractures, and scans are taken assessing bone density.

Treatment plans will also factor in your age, sex, risk of fracture and previous injury history.

Medication is used to help strengthen bones, and extra calcium may also be prescribed by your GP.

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Preventing a fall is also key, including reducing clutter, removing rugs, poor lighting, putting down non-slip mats and going up and down stairs.

Poor eyesight can also be a factor, so ensure you have your eyes tested to spot any potential hazards.

Certain exercises can also improve your strength and balance, decreasing the likelihood of a fall.

Other measures include hot and cold treatments, such as baths or ice packs and relaxation techniques.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device can also be used, which is a small battery-operated device which stimulates the nerves to reduce pain.

The NHS website carries more information around the condition.

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