How to treat osteoporosis?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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To address osteoporosis, it's crucial to determine whether it's primary or secondary in origin. For primary osteoporosis, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D to facilitate bone formation and engage in suitable exercise to strengthen the bones. If the osteoporosis is severe, adding medications that promote bone formation and inhibit bone loss can aid in treatment. If a fracture occurs due to osteoporosis, it is first necessary to reposition and stabilize the fracture, while also using medications to prevent further osteoporosis. Osteoporosis caused by long-term immobilization after a fracture can be managed by increasing physical activity, which helps restore blood flow around the fractured area and prevent such osteoporosis.

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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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Orthopedics
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Osteoporosis nursing measures

Osteoporosis is commonly seen in postmenopausal women, elderly patients with degenerative diseases, and patients with disuse osteoporosis caused by long-term immobilization due to fractures, with the first two groups having the highest incidence rates. When osteoporosis occurs, it is essential first to provide psychological guidance to the patients, encouraging them not to be afraid and to face their condition correctly. This disease can be prevented and its progression delayed. Similarly, guiding patients to engage in appropriate exercises, such as walking slowly and practicing Tai Chi, can help increase bone strength. It is also necessary to advise patients to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D, as osteoporosis primarily involves the loss of inorganic bone salts, particularly calcium and phosphate ions. Adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D can prevent some cases of osteoporosis. If osteoporosis is severe, it may be necessary to provide medications that promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, the diet should include foods rich in calcium to enhance the care of patients with osteoporosis from these various aspects.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
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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 Xie Yi Song
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How to exercise with osteoporosis

How should people with osteoporosis exercise? Many patients with osteoporosis believe that exercising could lead to fractures. In fact, by exercising, muscles can develop more fully, which not only protects the bones but also indirectly provides better support for bone metabolism. As long as scientific exercise methods are used and accidents and injuries are avoided, fractures will not occur. The following exercises are very suitable for osteoporosis patients to practice regularly. The first type is Tai Chi. Tai Chi can be considered a national treasure of China. It is a slow and elegant exercise that emphasizes coordination of the body and mind, and has functions that strengthen bones. Tai Chi can slow the rate of bone loss. The second type is Yoga. Research has found that women who regularly practice yoga have significant increases in spinal bone density. This slow and delicate exercise can increase the bone density in the hips, spine, and wrists. However, patients with osteoporosis should exercise within their limits. Excessive exercise or improper physical activity can be a burden on the patient's body and may cause adverse consequences. It is recommended to consult a doctor and choose an appropriate exercise method.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What to do with osteoporosis?

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.