The loss of bone density is the main characteristic of osteoporosis, an affectation of the internal part of the bone that makes it more fragile. Those who suffer from it are more susceptible to fractures.
Osteoporosis does not generate specific symptoms in patients who suffer from it. It is generally diagnosed with a bone densitometry, complementing the evaluation with some laboratory tests.
In many cases the first manifestation may be the presence of a fracture. These fractures are called ‘fragility fractures’, which occur more frequently in the elderly.
In general, it affects men and women, but the latter are more prone to suffer from it from an early age due to the hormonal changes they undergo when they reach menopause. It is normal for all human beings to have loss of bone density over the years and therefore, we may think that to a greater or lesser degree, we will all be osteoporotic at some point in our lives, said Dr. Julio César Palacio, an orthopedist and traumatologist from our Grupo Quirónsalud Clinic.
There are specific pathologies and some medications that can lead patients who suffer from them or who take them to osteoporosis early in life.
The World Health Organization defines older adults as all those who are 65 years of age or older. At Clínica Grupo Quirónsalud there is a multi and interdisciplinary program for the management of fractured older adults, providing quality comprehensive care and evaluating all clinical aspects to avoid the risk of new fractures, since these patients have a very high possibility of a new one. fracture if proper medical intervention is not done.
However, as explained by Dr. Palacio, there are factors that help prevent the early onset of osteoporosis and have healthy bones:
- Have a very healthy and balanced diet. Consume animal and/or vegetable protein, vegetables, vegetables, nuts, etc.
- Maintain a regular exercise regimen. Physical activity strengthens bones.
- Receive sun. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and is synthesized in the skin through the sun’s rays.
- Avoid smoking, as well as excessive intake of liquor and dark drinks.
- Increased intake of calcium through foods that contain them, such as legumes, nuts, fish, shellfish, vegetables and vegetables.