Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that weakens the bones and may increase the risks of fractures. It is called ‘the silent disease’ as bone loss occurs without any symptoms.

It mainly affects post-menopausal women and older men. It can also be as a result of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of some medications e.g., cortisone.

Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.

This develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are broken wrist and broken hip.

A specialised x-ray machine known as a DEXA scanner diagnoses osteoporosis.

Fortunately, once diagnosed there are several treatment options but earlier diagnosis results in a far more effective long term treatment plan.