World Osteoporosis Day: Understanding Common Symptoms And Dispelling Myths About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed. This silent disease weakens bones, making them thinner and more fragile, and it can lead to debilitating fractures, which, when occurring in the elderly, can be the cause of death. In this article, we will explore the basics of osteoporosis and debunk common myths surrounding it.

Understanding Common Symptoms And Dispelling Myths About Osteoporosis | Istock

Common myths and misconceptions about osteoporosis:

Myth #1: Most people don't need to worry about osteoporosis.

Fact: Osteoporosis is more prevalent than you might think. About one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis. It's a serious concern that should not be ignored.

Myth #2: Osteoporosis is only a problem for older women.

Fact: While the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, it can affect individuals of all genders and races. It's not exclusive to older women; men and younger women can develop osteoporosis as well.

Myth #3: You don't need to worry about osteoporosis if you break a bone in a serious fall or accident.

Fact: Broken bones in individuals over 50 can be the first sign of low bone density, or osteoporosis. Fractures from accidents, especially if they occur due to falling from a height less than one's own, are often due to osteoporosis, so it's crucial to consider this possibility.

Myth #4: People with osteoporosis can feel their bones getting weaker.

Fact: Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" because it progresses without noticeable symptoms. Some individuals discover they have osteoporosis only after they experience fractures or a noticeable loss in height. Osteoporosis per se will not cause pain unless there is a coexisting fracture and pain may not always accompany these fractures.

Myth #5: A test for osteoporosis can be uncomfortable, and it involves exposure to a significant amount of radiation.

Fact: Osteoporosis is diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Scanning using a DXA is simple, painless, and involves minimal radiation exposure, making it a safe and routine procedure.

Myth #6: Bone health is not a concern for children and teenagers.

Fact: Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence is crucial to preventing osteoporosis later in life. Encouraging physical activity, a calcium-rich diet, and adequate vitamin D intake are essential for young people. Normal growth and puberty are also required for strong bones in the future.

Myth #7: Consuming a lot of milk and engaging in regular exercise can lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Fact: While calcium intake and exercise are important for bone health, other risk factors for osteoporosis exist. Genetics, lifestyle, and other factors play a role, and even individuals who have good calcium intake can still be at risk.

Myth #8: Osteoporosis only affects your bones.

Fact: Osteoporosis can have broader implications for your overall health. It's not limited to bone fractures; it can also lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even affect your mental and emotional well-being. Hip fractures occurring in the elderly are often a terminal event that will make them bed-bound, predisposing them to pneumonia, urinary infections, pulmonary embolism, decubitus ulcers, and eventually death in many cases.

Myth #9: Taking extra calcium supplements can help prevent osteoporosis.

Fact: Taking more calcium than necessary doesn't provide extra benefits. It's important to evaluate your daily calcium intake from your diet before considering supplements.

Myth #10: Most people do not need to take a vitamin D supplement.

Fact: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Many individuals may require vitamin D supplements, especially if their diet or sun exposure doesn't provide sufficient amounts.

Myth #11: There is no treatment for osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, if detected early, can be treated with drugs that are available in oral and injectable forms. These drugs are relatively safe and have few side effects.

Myth 12: A Healthy Diet Alone Prevents Osteoporosis.

While a nutritious diet is essential, it's not the sole factor in preventing osteoporosis. Other lifestyle choices, genetics, and hormonal factors also play a significant role.

Osteoporosis is a widespread condition that can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. By adopting a proactive approach to bone health, individuals can reduce their risk of osteoporosis and enjoy a better quality of life as they age. To prevent or manage osteoporosis, lifestyle choices such as regular weight-bearing exercise, a calcium-rich diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are essential. Additionally, early detection through bone density testing and medications prescribed by doctors can help mitigate the impact of this condition on one's health.

About the author: Dr. Nisha Bhavani, Clinical Professor, Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Amrita Hospital, Kochi. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.