Osteoporosis

Applies to: Back, Elbow/Hand/Wrist, Foot/Ankle, Hip, Knee

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease. It is mainly characterized by two features: a decrease in bone mass and a decrease in bone density. This can lead to an increased risk of bone fracture.

Osteoporosis does not present any obvious symptoms, but it does carry the risk of increased susceptibility to fractures. Typically fractures occur in the vertebral column, hip, wrist, and rib.

Some risk factors of osteoporosis are not modifiable. Advanced age, race, heredity, build, and previous fractures are all risk factors that little can be done about. However, there are also steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis. These include:

Consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation
Getting enough vitamin D, either in supplement form or through regular time spent outside in sunlight
Not using tobacco products
Eating regular healthy, balanced meals
Consuming moderate amounts of protein
Doing regular moderate exercise
Ensuring that you are not exposing yourself to heavy metals by monitoring diet and exposure to environmental heavy metals
Foregoing soft-drinks

Applies to: Back, Elbow/Hand/Wrist, Foot/Ankle, Hip, Knee

Conditions And Treatments

Main conditions

Main treatments