Arthritis Foundation of WA

Overview
What is osteoporosis?
What causes osteoporosis?
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
How is osteoporosis managed?
What can be done to protect bones and prevent osteoporosis and fractures?

Osteoporosis Overview

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, fracturing more easily than normal healthy bone. The more calcium your bones lose, the more easily they will fracture.

Osteoporosis is a silent bone robber - the first sign is usually a fracture. Even a minor fall can cause a serious fracture.

One in two women and one in three men over 60 will have a fracture due to osteoporosis. However, women are at greater risk of developing this condition because of the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

Osteoporosis and fractures are major causes of injury, long term disability and even death in older Australians.

Usually there are no signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. Any bone can be affected but the most common ones are the bones in the hip, spine, and in younger people the wrist and ribs.

osteo pics

What causes osteoporosis?

Generally bones reach peak density and are at their strongest during the 20's and 30's. As people age, bones begin to lose calcium and can become weaker. Both men and women are at risk of developing osteoporosis for a number of reasons.

What are the main Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?

Genetics: parents with osteoporosis
Female, Caucasian or Asian
Delayed puberty
Early onset of menopause
60 years of age and over
Presence of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, chronic liver disease or kidney failure
Male with low sex hormone levels (testosterone)
Long-term drug use of corticosteroids
Low calcium diet
Little or no physical activity
Smoking
High alcohol consumption
Loss of height by more than 3cm (1 inch)

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by combining medical history, a physical examination and specific tests for the disease including:

X-Rays and Bone Mineral Density Scan (BMD) (GP referral required) , or
Heel Ultrasound screening test (this is not diagnostic of osteoporosis but is a useful tool in risk factor screening to identify people who may be at risk, allowing early referral)

How is osteoporosis managed?

High calcium diet
Good levels of Vitamin 'D'
Bone loading and weight bearing exercises
Medications

What can be done to protect bones and prevent osteoporosis and fractures?

If you think you are risk, see your GP and ask for a referral.

Experts agree that everyone can reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis by introducing simple and practical steps to maintain good bone health such as:

Good nutrition
Daily calcium intake Dietary Vitamin D from foods such as fatty fish, eggs, liver
Quit smoking
Reduce alcohol and coffee intake
Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, tennis and jogging, and strength-training, like weight-lifting