Osteoporosis: Risk factors and Symptoms

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones gradually lose the required density. As a result, bones become weak, fragile, and more susceptible to fracture. As we age, we lose bone mass, which could lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has few to no symptoms. Many people with osteoporosis do not realize they have the disease until an osteoporosis-related fracture happens.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors that increase person’s chance of developing osteoporosis. One significant factor is age; the risk increases with age. Osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, but women are more likely to develop the disease than men. Another factor is the body size; people with thin or small body size are at higher risk than people with larger body frame. Developing osteoporosis is also linked to ethnicity; Asian and Caucasian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Family history, medical conditions, and unhealthy lifestyle also play a part in osteoporosis risk.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may cause no noticeable symptoms. In fact, for many seniors it usually goes undetected until a bone fracture occurs. This is the most common sign of Osteoporosis, when fracture occur from a mild accident, osteoporosis should be considered. Below are some other symptoms that might be caused by Osteoporosis:

1. Receding Gums

Receding gums and can be caused by variety of factors, one of which is bone loss. The jawbone supports teeth, a loss of bone density in lower jaw could be the reason for receding gums. Jawbone loss has been linked to lower bone mineral density.

2. Brittle fingernails

Nails are part of bones and healthy nails are associated with high bone density. Weak, brittle fingernails can be a sign of early stage of osteoporosis.

3. Decreased Grip Strength

Declining muscle strength and weaker hand grip could be linked to the loss of bone density.

4. Stooped or hunched-back

Osteoporosis cause thinning of the bones. Thus, patients with osteoporosis might develop vertebral compression fractures. The vertebrae are compressed and gradually become wedge-shaped, this causes a stooping or bent forward posture.

5. Height Loss

Loss of height is an obvious sign of osteoporosis in the later stages. The crumbling effect of the spine for patients with osteoporosis causes a loss in height over time.