Osteoporosis is a condition that reduces the density and strength of bone, resulting in fragile bones. This condition leads to abnormally porous bones that are compressible. It weakens that bone and leads to frequent fractures in the bones (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic condition in the United States. It affects millions of people from different ethnic groups. It can lead to devastating physical, psychosocial, as well as economic consequences (Pouresmaeili et al., 2018). However, this condition is often overlooked and undertreated since it is clinically silent before manifesting as a fracture.
Osteoporosis largely affects women and men of all races. However, women stand at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men. It is currently estimated that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, out of which 80% or 8 million are women (Halvorsen, 2016). On the other hand, only two million or 20% of men have this condition. In addition, studies also show that one in every two women above 50 years breaks a bone due to osteoporosis. This means that being female puts one at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. There are numerous reasons why women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men. First, compared to men, women have smaller and lighter bones. This means that their bones have less mass, making them more suspectable to osteoporosis. Secondly, menopause makes women’s bodies produce less progesterone and estrogen, which are required to assist in keeping bones strong (Halvorsen, 2016). Therefore, lack of estrogen causes bone loss even in younger women. Early menopause can lead to early bone loss. More than 30 percent of women lose their bones within 5 years after menopause, which increases the number of women likely to develop osteoporosis.
Age is also another risk factor that greatly increases the development of osteoporosis. The bones of human beings are living tissue and are in a constant condition of renewal until around the age of 25 years. From the age of age, 25 years to around the age of 50 years, bone density tends to remain stable with equal amounts of bone formation and breakdown (Sanders, 2017). When an individual is above 50 years, bone breakdown greatly outdoes bone formation. As one age, more bone is breakdown than is replaced by new bone. Therefore, bones get thinner and more fragile as one age. This is mostly observed in women during menopause and also in men who have lower levels of sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone. Thin bones of a poorer quality structure have a higher likelihood of breaking. In addition, the elderly are also greatly associated with vitamin D insufficiency as well as decreased calcium absorption (Sanders, 2017). Vitamin D and calcium are greatly needed for stronger bones in the body, and therefore when these two lacks in the body, bones become weak and fragile. Underlying conditions that are common among older adults may also lead to loss of bone and muscle. Furthermore, the deficit in coordination and cognition among the old also promote falls and fragility structures (Sanders, 2017). There exist other numerous reasons why older adults are susceptible to falls, including vision impairment, side effects of medications, and lack of balance.
Furthermore, people from certain countries also stand a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. For instance, Northern European countries such as Norway and Sweden have a high incidence of osteoporosis (Whiting et al., 2010). In these countries, there is excess intake of retinol, which decrease bone density and also increase hip fracture risk. In addition, some occupations also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Individuals in sedentary occupations are also at higher risk of hip fracture. This is because sedentary occupations limit the opportunities to engage in physical activity, which are very important in developing and maintaining bone mineral density (Walker-Bone et al., 2014).
Younger and older athletes in sports are also at risk of developing osteoporosis. Sports such as weight band sports increase the duration, volume, and intensity of training. Overtraining due to excessive psychological and physical stress leads to low levels of sex hormones in both female and male athletes, which increases the risk of osteoporosis (IOS Annual Medical Conference 2020, 2020). Furthermore, a female athlete who participates in sports such as diving, gymnastics, figure skating, and synchronized swimming are also at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. The requirements in these sports put much pressure on physical appearance, which requires the participants to change their eating habits in an attempt to lose weight. This may contribute to eating disorders that reduce the amount of minerals needed to strengthen bones. Among the older athletes, excessive training increases the rate of muscle and bone loss.
There are different methods of treatment that can be used to treat osteoporosis. One of these is involving a physical therapist. Physical therapy assists the patient to develop a specific program based on his or her needs to assist in improving overall bone health, keeping the bones healthy as well as avoiding fracture. The physical therapists may provide several interventions to the patient (Physiopedia, 2020). These include weight-flexibility exercises to assist in reducing the amount of bone loss and building bone. The next intervention involves flexibility and strengthening exercises to assist the individual in improving overall physical function and postural control. The other intervention involves training the patient to conduct postural exercises that are necessary for preventing structural changes that are experienced as a result of osteoporosis (Physiopedia, 2020). Physical therapists can also teach individuals with osteoporosis how to adjust to their environment to protect bone health. The other intervention involves teaching the patient proper alignment during activities of daily living.
Orthotics can also be used in the management and treatment of osteoporosis. Orthotics can be applied in decreasing the flexion force to avoid worsening of kyphosis. They can also be applied in reducing the pressure on the fracture site in the acute phase of the disease. The major orthotics that can be used include thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TSLO), which controls spinal posture, reduces pain, promotes healing, and prevents further injury (Pfeifer, 2017). Jewett brace can also be used in controlling and supporting spinal posture. Other orthotic devices include heel casts, elbow supports, and spinal orthotics. Durable drug equipment can also be relied on by individuals with osteoporosis. This equipment ensures fast and effective recovery. They also ensure that the patient has a better quality of living. Examples of drug equipment that can be used include wheelchairs, stairlifts, walkers, stairlifts as well as other mobility devices. Aids for daily living that can be used to assist the patient deal with osteoporosis. These include grippers, writing aids, phones, calculators, and slip-resistant adjustable gripping tool.
Alternative treatment can also be used to assist the patient to manage or heal the osteoporosis condition. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that can be relied on. It is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing very thin needles in specific points on the body (Whitworth, 2019). Acupuncture stimulates various organ and body functioning and also promote healing. Tai chi is also another alternative treatment that can be used to treat osteoporosis. It involves using a series of body postures that flow smoothly from one to the next. Herbals can also be used to serve as a dietary source of calcium or assist the body in regulating calcium absorption. Some of the herbals include blacklash, chaste tree, red cover, horsetail, kelp, and oat straw.
The outlook for individuals with osteoporosis is good, especially where this condition is detected and treated early. The density of the bone can also be improved or stabilized, even in cases of severe osteoporosis (Pouresmaeili et al., 2018). It is possible to reduce the risk of fractures with quality treatment. An individual with a fracture can expect their bones to heal normally.