Can osteoporosis be cured?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and loss of bone mass, which increases the brittleness of bones and may lead to fractures. It can be primary or secondary, with primary osteoporosis commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Such osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass that occurs with physiological changes in the body. It can only be prevented, not cured, and complications caused by osteoporosis, such as fractures and pain, can only be alleviated, not completely cured. Therefore, early prevention is necessary.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 34sec home-news-image

How is osteoporosis treated?

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic disease characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis is common in the elderly but can occur at any age. Effective pharmacological treatments can prevent and treat osteoporosis, including estrogen replacement therapy, calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and bisphosphonates, which can prevent bone resorption but have little effect on bone formation. Medications used to treat and prevent the development of osteoporosis fall into two main categories: the first category includes drugs that inhibit bone resorption, such as calcium supplements, vitamin D and active vitamin D, calcitonin, bisphosphonates, estrogen, and isoflavones; the second category includes drugs that promote bone formation, such as fluoride, synthetic steroids, and isoflavones. In addition to pharmacotherapy, patients should also enhance nutrition with a high-protein diet, calcium, and various vitamins. High protein is beneficial for the formation of bone matrix, and calcium supplementation can promote calcium balance. Milk, rich in protein and calcium, is an ideal treatment diet, and it is also advisable to take appropriate amounts of calcium tablets, vitamin D, and vitamin C.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Which department should I go to for osteoporosis?

What department should I go to for osteoporosis? According to the latest osteoporosis treatment guidelines, osteoporosis is classified as a chronic, frequently occurring disease in orthopedics. Generally, hospitals rated Grade IIIA or above have specialized clinics for osteoporosis. Therefore, if you suspect you have osteoporosis, you can first visit the orthopedics department. If there is a specialized osteoporosis clinic, you can go there directly. Both departments can treat this disease, but the specialized osteoporosis clinic is relatively more professional.

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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 Lv Yao
Orthopedics
1min 12sec home-news-image

How is osteoporosis treated?

Osteoporosis refers to a decline in bone density and quality, increasing brittleness and potentially leading to systemic skeletal diseases. Once osteoporosis occurs, it is crucial to appropriately supplement inorganic salts that promote bone formation, as the structure composed of inorganic salts and collagen in the bones changes. Dietary intake should be enhanced with foods rich in calcium, and it is equally important to supplement with Vitamin D, as the absorption of calcium is facilitated by Vitamin D. Therefore, not only should calcium be supplemented, but also Vitamin D should be appropriately added. Alongside supplementing calcium and Vitamin D, proper exercise is important, as increased physical activity can help strengthen the bones. If these measures do not alleviate the condition, it may be necessary to investigate whether the issue stems from an obstruction in bone formation or from a problem with bone loss. Determining the cause of osteoporosis in this way, there are also medications available that can alleviate bone loss and promote bone formation, allowing for targeted treatment.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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How to maintain bone health with osteoporosis

Patients with osteoporosis should first pay attention to the following in their daily lives: First, persist in supplementing calcium and second, supplement Vitamin D as medication. In other aspects of life, it is important to engage in appropriate activities and develop a habit of regular activity. Vigorous activities, such as sprinting or playing ball games, are not recommended. Generally, it is advised that patients regularly take walks outdoors and ensure exposure to sunlight. This is why outdoor activities and enhancing sunlight exposure are related, which is the third point. The fourth important point is that if osteoporosis is diagnosed, elderly individuals must implement anti-slip measures at home to prevent falls. (Medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)