How to Prevent Osteoporosis

Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
Updated on March 29, 2025
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Osteoporosis is a common aging-related disease closely associated with aging. The symptoms of osteoporosis can be alleviated and the progression of bone hyperplasia can be prevented through the following methods: proper lifestyle, a balanced diet rich in calcium, low in salt, and with adequate protein, appropriate outdoor activities and sunlight exposure, and engaging in physical exercises beneficial for bone health. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking, and use medications that affect bone metabolism with caution. Additionally, supplementing with calcium and vitamin D can promote bone health, maintain muscle strength, and improve body stability.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What to eat for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis refers to decreased bone density and bone mass, which increases the fragility of bones and can lead to fractures and other systemic skeletal diseases. It commonly occurs in postmenopausal women or arises due to degenerative changes in the elderly. To prevent osteoporosis, one can start with dietary adjustments by increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, shrimp crackers, kelp, and legumes. It is also important to engage in appropriate physical activities to enhance bone strength, thereby helping to prevent the exacerbation of osteoporosis. However, merely supplementing with calcium might not be very effective; it is also appropriate to supplement with Vitamin D. If adding calcium alone does not alleviate the symptoms, it might be necessary to use medications that reduce the loss of calcium to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

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Orthopedics
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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 Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can osteoporosis be treated with moxibustion?

Osteoporosis can manifest as pain in the lumbar and back areas, as well as in the joints. Moxibustion, with its effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain, can alleviate these symptoms. However, to thoroughly treat osteoporosis, a causative treatment is necessary, which means taking oral medications specifically for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, estrogen modulators, and calcitonin. These are some of the common medications used. Also, it is important to supplement with calcium and vitamin D, and get plenty of sunlight. Only then can osteoporosis be thoroughly cured through causative treatment. While moxibustion is effective, it does not solve the fundamental issue and is just one of the methods to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
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Is osteoporosis easy to treat?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility, decreased bone strength, and susceptibility to fractures. It is a systemic metabolic disease. Its treatment includes the following aspects: supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D, and the use of medications that inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. Firstly, calcium supplementation is essential, along with Vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium. Based on the severity of osteoporosis, stronger medications might be necessary, such as bisphosphonates or calcitonin. The choice of treatment plan depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Both bisphosphonates and calcitonin are used to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. The specific duration of treatment for osteoporosis depends on the patient's condition; additionally, patients need to regularly check their bone density. If the bone density is up to standard, they may stop the medication as per the doctor’s advice and undergo regular check-ups. If a relapse occurs, prompt medical treatment is necessary. Thus, the duration of treatment for osteoporosis is relatively long, generally from six months to a year, or even longer.

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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.