Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis becomes more prevalent as we get older as bone is lost gradually throughout adult life. Approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that nearly one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, which means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are diminished. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is significantly increased. The loss of bone occurs progressively and often there are no symptoms until the first fracture happens.

The bone loss with osteoporosis takes place over many years and can become severe. It may be so serious that the normal stress on bones from standing, bumping into something or even hugging someone can result in agonizing fractures and immobility. Once a person has suffered a fracture, they become more at risk for future fractures.

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia refers to early signs of bone loss that can become osteoporosis. With osteopenia, bone mineral density is reduced to lower than normal, though it is not yet low enough to be considered osteoporosis. A bone density test can detect osteopenia.

Women over the age of 65, postmenopausal women and men over the age of 50 with risk factors for bone loss should be tested for osteopenia or osteoporosis.

What is the difference between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are associated conditions. The difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis is that in osteopenia the bone loss is not as severe as in osteoporosis. That means a person with osteopenia is more at risk to fracture a bone than someone with normal bone density but not as easily as someone with osteoporosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

How do we know whether or not our bones are healthy? It turns out; there are many external signs and symptoms that may give us a clue to the health of our bones.

Let's take a look at some indicators that may be signs of early bone loss.

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Osteoporosis is a significant problem among older adults with fractures being the key factor associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men aged 50 and older. In 2002, it was estimated that more than 10 million people already had osteoporosis and will rise to approximately 14 million by 2020.

Of those who sustain significant fractures, most will require long term care placement, such as residential care homes, nursing homes or hire an in home caregiver for rehabilitation or long-term care. Some people may find that they are unable to return home and live independently after rehabilitation because there is an increased requirement of assistance or their spouse or loved one is unable to provide the level of care they need to return home. For in home caregivers and residential care homes, home health agencies are available to provide nursing, physical and occupation therapy for continued rehabilitation in their place of residence. Assisted living facilities may not be a good option, as the person will require more assistance than services that are provided at assisted living communities.