Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition of thinning and weakening of bone, usually as the individual gets older, that leads to increased risk of fracture (breaking) because the bones are more fragile. Can affect any bone; when present usually affects all bones. The occurrence of a fracture, most commonly of the wrist, may be the first sign that osteoporosis is present.
Symptoms
- Bones are more likely to break or fracture; any bone can be affected
- Most serious, common break, usually caused by a fall, is of the neck of the thigh bone (femur), causing pain, inability to put weight on the affected leg, and foot being turned outwards
- Individual may become shorter over time as the spine compacts due to fracture of vertebrae in the spine (kyphosis)
- Bone pain or chronic back pain
- Fracture of bone associated with higher risk of having other fractures at other sites
Most likely in post-menopausal women especially if the menopause occurs early. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may prevent the condition. Associated with hormone deficiency in men. Commoner in people treated with steroids and with a range of other conditions including Coelic disease, Overactive thyroid, Rheumatoid arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Low trauma fractures in women and men over 50 years should stimulate medical assessment for osteoporosis.
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