Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common disease of bone tissue, manifested by an increase in bone brittleness and fracture, as a result of decreased bone mass and weakened bone structure. Osteoporosis is actually an insidious disease and may not show symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, one of the most common complaints is back pain, this is due to small fractures caused by osteoporosis in the back vertebrae. With the increase in the number of these fractures, a collapse occurs in the vertebrae, a hump occurs on the patient’s back, and the height becomes shorter. The fractures that occur both increase the risk of death and disrupt the quality of life by causing disability. Osteoporosis-related fractures develop in one of every 3 women over 50 years and 1 in every 12 men. It is among the most important causes of death in many countries due to hip fractures.

TREATMENT: As it is easier and more economical to protect the mass of the bone than to reconstruct it, it is the most effective method to protect bone health and prevent bone loss. Drugs that reduce bone destruction and increase its production are also used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are the most widely used of these supplements.

The most important mineral for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is calcium. Depending on the age, the amount of calcium to be taken daily varies between 500-1500 mg / day. Rather than animal products, its intake through vegetables is more important. In addition, vitamins such as D, K, A, B12 and folic acid should be taken in sufficient quantity. For healthy bones, 400-800 IU vitamin D should be taken daily and sunbathing should be at least 15 minutes a day. For the protection of bone mass and general health, it should be avoided from smoking and bone thieves (Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, salt) taken with food.

Physical therapy is applied in osteoporotic fractures due to its pain relieving properties. Posture training and muscle strengthening exercises are important for osteoporosis rehabilitation. Activities such as walking, weight training accompanied by a physiotherapist, aerobic exercises are very good for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The use of corset can be suggested to support healing in the initial period of osteoporotic fractures.

In patients with developed osteoporosis, the use of sleeping drugs should be avoided to prevent fractures. If there is a visual defect, treatment and good illumination are required. There should be no rugs or toys that would cause the foot to slip or slip on the floor. Handrails can be made to cling to the stairs and corridors.

Various pharmacological drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis; it is aimed to reduce bone resorption, increase bone density and mineral density, correct the microarchitecture structure and thus reduce the risk of fractures. Drugs used for this purpose: 1. Hormone replacement therapy 2. Bisphosphonates 3. Calcitonin 4. SERM (Selective estrogen receptor modulators) 5. Vitamin D metabolites 6. Strontium 7. Parathormone (PTH).