Every year on October 20th, World Osteoporosis Day is observed with the goal of raising public awareness about bone health and the timely detection of this disease. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and can break even from minor trauma. In this disease, bones gradually weaken, but symptoms are often absent in the early stages, and many people discover the illness only after a fracture.
According to data from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, there is a risk of osteoporosis-related fractures in one in three women and one in five men over 50 worldwide. This disease has no complete cure, but it can be managed. It leads to a decrease in bone strength, making them more vulnerable and increasing the probability of fractures, especially in the pelvis and spine.
Dr. Ahlesh Yadav, Director of the Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Department at Max Hospital, explains that bone density decreases with age, leading to weakening. This problem is observed in both women and men. The risk also increases with a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D in the body.
The first signs may be constant joint pain, which gradually intensifies. Other possible signals include fractures from minimal loads and persistent back pain. To diagnose the condition, doctors perform a bone mineral density (BMD) test.
To maintain bone strength, it is recommended to include milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese in the diet. It is also important to take vitamin D as recommended by a doctor and engage in regular physical exercise while maintaining weight control.