Osteoporosis is the disease of the bones, where the mineral density of the bones decreases and risk of fractures increases. Since options of treatment for osteoporosis can be limited, prevention of the disease in the first place is of vital importance.
Prevention is the best treatment for osteoporosis
Though you cannot eliminate the possibility of getting osteoporosis, there are certain changes that you can make in your lifestyle which will help reduce risk of the disease.
Stop smoking
Smoking is known to decrease bone health and you can help lower your risk of future fractures by stopping.
Reduce alcohol intake
Research has shown that small amounts of alcohol may actually be beneficial to bone health but frequent binge drinking is not and may increase risk of fractures.
Vitamin D and calcium supplements
Calcium is necessary for bones and Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium. So any deficiency of these two vital nutrients should be remedied and a doctor should be consulted for proper dosages. This is both a treatment for osteoporosis as well as a way to prevent it.
Diet modification
Deficiency of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, fluoride, iron and certain vitamins could negatively impact bone health. Excess salt also is a risk factor for osteoporosis. The risk also rises with intake of soft drinks that contain phosphoric acid.
Exercise
Weight bearing or resistance exercise is known to increase bone density whereas physical inactivity causes bone loss. Weight bearing exercises are any that need you support your own weight such as walking, jogging, hiking, stair climbing and so on. Resistance exercises are those that involve weight lifting using free weights or weight machines or resistance bands.
Treatment for osteoporosis
HRT
One of the significant causes for decrease of bone density among women is menopause, and hormone replacement therapy can help to negate this negative impact of lower estrogen levels. HRT can help with osteoporosis as well as other menopause symptoms, but is known to have several side effects which should be considered as well.
Medications
Nutritional supplements consisting of calcium and vitamin D can be taken for treating and managing osteoporosis but other specific medications may be prescribed for treatment of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are medications that inhibit the process of bone dissolving and help to maintain bone density.
Parathyroid Hormone medications are used as treatment for osteoporosis because they can help to stimulate formation of bones and may lower fracture risk. Strontium ranelate is another medication that helps to prevent bone loss and stimulates bone formation. Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medications can also help prevent bone loss but could have several side effects.
Preventing falls
Females of advanced age are at more risk of developing this bone disease, whose main symptom is the increased risk of bone fractures. Taking steps to improve balance, reduce falls and use of protective gear by those who are prone to falls can help reduce fracture risk.
Learning tai chi, yoga and Pilates could help improve body balance and prevent elders from falling, and could act as an effective treatment for osteoporosis. Additionally, installing railings on stairs, in the bathroom and so on, using hip protectors and other devices can give support and prevent falls and fractures.
Read more at http://www.womenhealthzone.com/general-health/osteoporosis/treatment-for-osteoporosis/
