![]() ![]() Some people may need to take an over-the-counter supplement for calcium, vitamin D, or both to get the recommended amount. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that postmenopausal women and men ages 50 and up get between 800 and 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day. Suggested daily calcium intake is 1,000 milligrams (mg) for most adults, but increases to 1,200 mg for women ages 51 and up and for men starting at age 70. People with osteoporosis can also make sure they’re getting the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. There are also many free videos online that instruct on exercises for people with osteoporosis and lead beginners through tai chi and yoga exercises. Activities like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates can be very helpful, though.Ī physical therapist can help you design a safe home exercise program. When it comes to exercise, many people focus on cardiovascular activities but may not prioritize building muscle and improving balance. Tips for living well with osteoporosis include: What are some other tips for living well with osteoporosis? If a medication, like a steroid, is causing the osteoarthritis, or if severe disease associated with fractures develops, the scan may be done more frequently. It can take a while to see improvements in bone mineral density from treatment. People with osteoporosis typically need DXA scans about every 2 years after starting treatment. A score of less than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis. If your bone density score is between -1 and -2.5, you are considered to have the stage before osteoporosis called osteopenia. Scores between +1 and -1 are also considered normal. Doctors use it to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor how well treatment is working.Ī score of zero means your bone density is “normal,” or equal to that of a typical young adult. This test compares your bone mineral density to that of a young adult. The most common way to tell whether your osteoporosis treatment is working is by monitoring your bone mineral density through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). How can you tell if your osteoporosis treatment is working? Of this group, teriparatide is most commonly prescribed because of its safety profile. They are injected under the skin and help stimulate bone formation and repair.Īnabolic agents for osteoporosis include: These are rarely used as a first-line treatment, and are typically prescribed for severe osteoporosis. Doctors also consider kidney function, breast cancer risk, and gastrointestinal history when recommending a medication.Īnother class of medication called anabolic agents can also treat osteoporosis. The choice between these medications is usually based on a person’s ability to tolerate the drug and its side effects. Denosumab and zoledronic acid are only administered through injection. Most of these medications can be taken orally. These drugs work to slow activity in the cells that break down bone (osteoclasts), which gives the body time to make new bone.īisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed antiresorptive medications. The most common initial treatment is an antiresorptive medication. Making lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of falls and fractures is an important part of managing osteoporosis, but there are also medications to treat the condition. What are the most common treatments for osteoporosis? Getting proper treatment for osteoporosis can help reduce the likelihood of fractures, pain, and other complications. An outstretched hand to catch a fall could lead to fractured bones in the wrist, arm, or collarbone. People who fall on their hip could break their femur or pelvis. Leaving osteoporosis untreated can also increase the risk of fractures from a fall. It also leads to chronic back pain in most cases. ![]() This pain can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as bending, reaching, lifting, and walking up and down stairs. However, these fractures can also cause a sudden onset of pain, especially after coughing, bending, laughing, or even driving over a speed bump. They may be discovered incidentally during imaging tests (such as with an X-ray) for a separate health concern. ![]() This can lead to a loss of height and abnormal curvature in the spine (kyphosis).Ĭompression fractures can evolve slowly. These fractures are breaks in the vertebrae that can eventually cause the vertebrae to collapse. That’s when a person may notice symptoms of osteoporosis.Ĭompression fractures are the most common type of fracture associated with osteoporosis. Untreated osteoporosis leads to weak and brittle bones that make people more susceptible to fractures. What happens if osteoporosis is left untreated? ![]()
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