What is lacking in osteoporosis?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Osteoporosis refers to a systemic bone disease characterized by an imbalance in the mineral content within bone structures, such as calcium and phosphorus, as well as the bone matrix, such as collagen, leading to decreased bone hardness and damage to the bone's microstructure. This structural change results in increased brittleness, thereby raising the risk of fractures. It is primarily caused by a disruption in the normal proportional relationship between inorganic salts and the bone matrix, generally due to the loss of inorganic salts like calcium and phosphorus.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 15sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Previously there were three categories, but the latest 2017 treatment guidelines have changed it to four categories: First, pain. This mainly manifests as pain in the lower back or pain throughout the bones of the body. Second, spinal deformation. Severe osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop and hunchback, and it can even lead to a decrease in a person's height and cause limited spinal mobility. Third, fractures. Fractures due to osteoporosis belong to the category of fragile fractures. These are fractures that can occur with very low energy or minor trauma. Common sites include the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, hip fractures, the distal radius and ulna, as well as the humerus and tibia, so sometimes, just a simple fall or being bumped by a door can result in a fracture. Fourth, impacts on psychological states and quality of life. Sometimes after developing osteoporosis, a person may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-confidence, which directly leads to reduced contact with the outside world and a decline in the quality of independent living.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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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.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 22sec home-news-image

What to eat for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is commonly seen in elderly people and mainly refers to a reduction in bone tissue per unit volume, which affects the structure and function of bones. To prevent and treat osteoporosis, it is important to supplement various nutritional elements in daily life, such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, fats, and vitamin D. So, what is good to eat for osteoporosis? Foods rich in calcium are recommended, including milk, milk powder, oysters, eggs, soybeans and soy products, pork bone soup, fish, shrimp, and dried scallops, and should be consumed more frequently. Additionally, foods like carrots, Chinese cabbage, celery, rapeseed, garlic sprouts, leeks, jujube, persimmons, and olives also contain a good amount of calcium and should be included in the diet. Supplementing vitamin D: Vitamin D, after being exposed to ultraviolet sunlight, is an essential substance that promotes the calcification of bones. Taking vitamin D can increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and help in its deposition in the bones, making them stronger. Therefore, patients with osteoporosis should regularly take vitamin D and frequently sunbathe.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 26sec home-news-image

What to do if osteoporosis causes leg pain?

To alleviate leg pain caused by osteoporosis, it is important to pay attention to a reasonable diet and regular exercise. Maintaining a balanced diet to ensure sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial, with options such as high-calcium, low-fat fresh milk, cheese, cow milk, and dark green vegetables being the best choices. Based on the imbalance of yin and yang in the body, regularly taking kidney-nourishing products can to a certain extent stabilize and enhance the level of human sex hormones, indirectly inhibiting the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. Smoking should be avoided, excessive drinking should be prevented, and timely prevention of systemic metabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and gout is essential. Elderly individuals with leg pain should persist with gradual and progressive exercise, such as swimming, practicing health exercises, Tai Chi, and walking. These activities not only can alleviate the loss of bone mass but also significantly increase the content of bone salts and promote the activity of bone cells. However, engaging in intense physical activities, especially those that cause excessive muscle soreness, should be avoided. If continual leg pain is experienced, it is advisable to visit a hospital for examination to determine if it is caused by 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.