What to do with osteoporosis?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 26, 2024
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When osteoporosis occurs, it is first important to determine the cause of the osteoporosis, whether it's due to postmenopausal women, overuse injuries, or osteoporosis caused by long periods of immobilization following trauma. If such osteoporosis occurs, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D, especially for postmenopausal women and elderly individuals affected by degenerative changes. These supplements can be taken orally, and appropriate physical exercise can be incorporated to increase bone strength and achieve recovery. In cases of disuse osteoporosis, appropriate functional exercises should be performed to allow for active muscle contractions and slight weight-bearing by the bones, which promotes circulation around the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a reduction in bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue microstructure, and increased bone fragility, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It is a metabolic bone disease. Some cases are primary, also referred to as postmenopausal osteoporosis, which generally lacks specific causes and is mainly linked to estrogen deficiency. There is also a category known as secondary osteoporosis, which has a variety of causes, primarily secondary to metabolic endocrine disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, and growth hormone deficiency. Additionally, some hematologic disorders, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can lead to osteoporosis. There are also some less common or rare diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta and scurvy that can cause osteoporosis. Furthermore, long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, can lead to osteoporosis. Kidney diseases, such as chronic renal failure and renal tubular acidosis, can also cause osteoporosis.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
54sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and destruction of bone microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It can be divided into primary and secondary types based on the cause. Secondary osteoporosis has a clear primary cause, often due to endocrine metabolic diseases such as gonadal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or systemic diseases. Primary osteoporosis is commonly seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis and senile osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended to consult an endocrinology or orthopedics department for osteoporosis.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
29sec home-news-image

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is caused by two types of reasons, one is primary disease, and the other is secondary disease. Primary disease is commonly seen in postmenopausal women, as well as in some chronic strain injuries, and the occurrence of some metabolic diseases, which accounts for primary osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis may be due to trauma, long-term plaster immobilization, or lack of weight bearing after surgical fixation, leading to disuse osteoporosis.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
47sec home-news-image

Osteoporosis lacks what element?

Osteoporosis refers to a systemic skeletal disease characterized by decreased bone density and strength, resulting in increased bone fragility and potential fractures. There are primarily two types of osteoporosis: primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis commonly occurs in postmenopausal women and as a result of aging and degenerative changes; secondary osteoporosis sometimes refers to the condition developing after fractures due to prolonged immobilization. Osteoporosis mainly arises from a deficiency in the trace elements calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial components of bone. A lack of these substances can alter bone structure and lead to osteoporosis.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
43sec home-news-image

What to do about osteoporosis pain?

After osteoporosis leads to pain, we first need to clarify which part of the body the pain is located, or what causes the pain. If the pain is solely due to osteoporosis, such as decreased bone density in the limbs causing soreness and weakness, it is appropriate to supplement with calcium and vitamin D while also enhancing exercise to alleviate the pain. If the pain is due to fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as vertebral compression fractures or rib fractures, the fractures should first be repositioned, immobilized, and stabilized. Additionally, medications that treat osteoporosis should be used, such as those that inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation.