Osteoporosis - UK Health Insurance

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[Obesity] [Osteoarthritis] [Osteoporosis]

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is an illness of excessive demineralization of bone. This condition usually arises around the age of 35 when more bone cells are lost than replaced. This condition leads to the decrease in bone density.

TARGET GROUP:

This disease is far more common in women after menopause owing to the loss of the hormone estrogen. However by the age of 75 both the sexes become equally prone to bone loss.

TYPE OF AILMENTS:

This ailment can be resolved by a change in sedentary lifestyles. Regular exercise can be a treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. One should start exercising at early symptoms (joint or muscle pain) before they reach the advanced stage.

 

SYMPTOMS:

In the early stages there may be no indication of gradual thinning of bones. One may experience pain in joints and muscles. However the symptoms of advanced osteoporosis are thin bones, weak bones, brittle bones, repeated fractures, backache, spine deformation, and loss of height.

AFFECTED AREA:

There are two main types of bones like hard compact bone and spongy bone; both are found in the same bone. Spongy bone, which is found in vertebrate, ribs, breastbone, skull, and pelvis, are all prone to osteoporosis fracture.

CAUSES:

The first sign is usually a fall, which may cause a bone fracture, which may be painful and cause disability. An early menopause in woman may also lead to the condition as bone loss speeds up after menopause.

• Decreased calcium absorption by the body
• Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D
• Inadequate exposure to the sun
• Decreased ability to produce vitamin D
• Other less common factors are genetic factors, insufficient sex hormones and body weight

 

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

There is no risk involved to others.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

These fractures may not heal quickly. The hip fracture requires major surgery and hospitalization. One may not be able to walk without assistance and hence increase their dependence. Elderly people have more complications to fracture healing which can lead to death.