Treatment FAQ

what is osteoporosis and treatment for it

by Jermey Weber Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill. Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.

Medication

  • Early menopause
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Long term treatment with corticosteroids
  • Low body weight
  • Fracture after age 50
  • Smoking history
  • Calcium or Vitamin D deficiency
  • Inadequate physical activity

Nutrition

Reclast is the latest drug introduced to treat osteoporosis. Unlike earlier drugs of the same type – Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva – Reclast has not been approved for prevention of osteoporosis. But like the approved drugs, it is a bisphosphonate, a class of drugs that works by slowing bone breakdown. Reclast has an obvious appeal – it is given as a once-a-year injection, freeing patients from the need to take drugs weekly or monthly.

How do you deal with osteoporosis?

What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? Bone is living, growing tissue that changes throughout the lifespan. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.

Is Reclast better than Fosamax?

The 2014 NOF guidelines recommend BMD measurement in the following patients [ 4] :

  • Women age 65 years and older and men age 70 years and older, regardless of clinical risk factors
  • Younger postmenopausal women and women in menopausal transition with clinical risk factors for fracture
  • Men age 50-69 years with clinical risk factors for fracture

What is osteoporosis and what is it caused by?

What are the guidelines for osteoporosis?

How to treat osteoporosis?

What does osteoporosis mean?

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

What is the condition that weakens bones?

How long does it take for a hip fracture to die?

What age is the most likely to develop osteoporosis?

What is the inside of a bone called?

See more

About this website

image

What is osteoporosis and give it treatment?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones break down faster than they rebuild. Treatment usually includes a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. The most aggressive way to prevent additional bone loss is to take prescription medications.

What are 3 treatments used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis?

Examples include: Alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax) Ibandronate (Boniva) Risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia)

Can osteoporosis be cured or treated?

There's no cure for osteoporosis, but proper treatment can help protect and strengthen your bones. These treatments can help slow the breakdown of bone in your body, and some treatments can spur the growth of new bone.

When is treatment recommended for osteoporosis?

Postmenopausal women and older men – In the United States, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends use of a medication to treat postmenopausal women (and men ≥50 years) with a history of hip or vertebral (spine) fracture or with osteoporosis on bone density testing (T-score ≤-2.5).

What is the best and safest treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.

How can osteoporosis be treated?

Treatments for established osteoporosis may include exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications. Exercise and supplementation are often suggested to help you prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing, resistance and balance exercises are all important.

What are 5 symptoms of osteoporosis?

What is Osteoporosis?Fragility-related fractures. These occur when even mild impact causes a fracture of the wrist, back, hip or other bones.Height loss. More than two inches in height can be lost over time.Receding gums. ... A curved, stooped shape to the spine. ... Lower back pain.

What are 3 common causes of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in people who have:Low calcium intake. A lifelong lack of calcium plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. ... Eating disorders. Severely restricting food intake and being underweight weakens bone in both men and women.Gastrointestinal surgery.

What does osteoporosis pain feel like?

Sudden, severe back pain that gets worse when you are standing or walking with some relief when you lie down. Trouble twisting or bending your body, and pain when you do. Loss of height.

What is the first line treatment for osteoporosis?

Denosumab. The AACE/ACE recommends denosumab as first-line therapy for patients at high risk of fracture and for patients who are unable to use oral therapy. Denosumab was the first biologic agent available for treatment of osteoporosis.

What is the best and safest treatment for osteoporosis 2022?

Risedronate – Risedronate (brand names: Actonel, Atelvia) reduces the risk of both vertebral and hip fractures. Risedronate is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It can be taken once per day, once per week, or once per month.

What are the early warning signs of osteoporosis?

However, some signs and symptoms, such as receding gums, weaker grip strength, and more brittle fingernails may be early warning signs. A loss of height, a stooped posture, back or neck pain, and bone fractures are often the most common symptoms of later-stage osteoporosis.

Which Medications Are Commonly Used For Osteoporosis Treatment?

Bisphosphonates are the most common medications prescribed for osteoporosis treatment. These include: 1. Alendronate (Fosamax) 2. Risedronate (Acto...

How Do Most Osteoporosis Medications Work?

With the exception of teriparatide, osteoporosis medications slow bone breakdown. Healthy bones continuously break down and rebuild.As you age — es...

How Do You Know If You're Taking The Right bisphosphonate?

Drugs in the bisphosphonate class are more alike than they are different. They all help maintain bone density. And, all bisphosphonates have been s...

When Might Other Osteoporosis Medications Be used?

Drugs such as denosumab, teriparatide and abaloparatide can be used by anyone with osteoporosis, but are more likely to be recommended for people w...

What Are Common Side Effects of Bisphosphonate pills?

Bisphosphonate pills aren't absorbed well in the stomach. The main side effects of bisphosphonate pills are stomach upset and heartburn. Generic fo...

Do Intravenous Bisphosphonates Have Advantages Over The Pill form?

Infused forms of bisphosphonates don't cause stomach upset. And it may be easier for some women to schedule a quarterly or yearly infusion than to...

Can Bisphosphonates Hurt Your Bones?

Long-term bisphosphonate therapy has been linked to a rare problem in which the upper thighbone cracks and may break. This injury, known as atypica...

How Long Should You Take A Bisphosphonate For Osteoporosis Treatment?

There's some uncertainty about how long to take bisphosphonates because of a lack of long-term studies. Bisphosphonates have been shown to be safe...

What Happens If You Break A Bone While Taking An Osteoporosis medication?

Osteoporosis medications lower the chance of fracture, but they don't eliminate all risk of breaking a bone. If you have a fracture while on treatm...

Can Medication Alone Successfully Treat Osteoporosis?

Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important: 1. Exercise. Weight-bearing phys...

WebMD - Better information. Better health.

The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award ...

What Are the Stages of Osteoporosis? - Verywell Health

Osteoporosis can be hard to detect, especially in the first stages. Learn about the stages of osteoporosis and the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Osteoporosis: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Medications, Exercise & Diet

Read about osteoporosis treatment options, medication, causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), risk factors (family history), and research. Osteoporosis is a condition marked by decreased bone density and strength, resulting in fragile bones.

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: 1 Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill 2 Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill 3 Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion 4 Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion

How does osteoporosis medication work?

Because bone rebuilding cannot keep pace, bones deteriorate and become weaker. Most osteoporosis medications work by reducing the rate at which your bones break down. Some work by speeding up the bone-building process. Either mechanism strengthens bone and reduces your risk of fractures.

What is the condition of bisphosphonates and denosumab?

A very rare complication of bisphosphonates and denosumab is a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone. This injury, known as atypical femoral fracture, can cause pain in the thigh or groin that begins subtly and may gradually worsen.

Which osteoporosis medication is usually tried first?

Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first? Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill. Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.

How often is romosozumab given?

Romosozumab is given as a monthly injection at your doctor's office. It is a new drug and less is known about long-term side effects, but it is not given to people who have recently had a stroke or heart attack. Treatment stops after 12 monthly doses.

How long can you take bisphosphonate?

These bone-building drugs can be taken for only one or two years and the benefits begin disappearing quickly after you stop. To protect the bone that's been built up, you'll need to start taking a bone-stabilizing medication such as a bisphosphonate.

Does Raloxifene help with bone density?

Current recommendations say to use the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest period of time. Raloxifene (Evista) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in post menopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen. Taking this drug can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer.

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

If you can't tolerate the more common treatments for osteoporosis — or if they don't work well enough — your doctor might suggest trying: Teriparatide (Forteo). This powerful drug is similar to parathyroid hormone and stimulates new bone growth. It's given by daily injection under the skin.

How to reduce the risk of osteoporosis?

Smoking increases rates of bone loss and the chance of fracture. Avoid excessive alcohol. Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day might decrease bone formation.

How long can you take teriparatide for osteoporosis?

After two years of treatment with teriparatide, another osteoporosis drug is taken to maintain the new bone growth. Abaloparatide (Tymlos) is another drug similar to parathyroid hormone. You can take it for only two years, which will be followed by another osteoporosis medication. Romosozumab (Evenity).

What is the newest bone building medication?

Romosozumab (Evenity). This is the newest bone-building medication to treat osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office. It is limited to one year of treatment, followed by other osteoporosis medications.

How often is denosumab shot?

Denosumab is delivered via a shot under the skin every six months. If you take denosumab, you might have to continue to do so indefinitely.

How to determine bone density?

Diagnosis. Your bone density can be measured by a machine that uses low levels of X-rays to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only a few bones are checked — usually in the hip and spine.

What supplements can help with osteoporosis?

Alternative medicine. There is limited evidence that certain supplements, such as vitamin K-2 and soy, can help lower fracture risk in osteoporosis, but more studies are needed to prove benefits and determine risks.

How to treat osteoporosis?

Along with a healthy diet and exercise, you can treat osteoporosis with medicines that help your bones to stay as strong as possible. Strontium for Osteoporosis. Some people say the supplement strontium improves bone health, but it’s important to consider its benefits and risks before you take it.

Can you reverse osteoporosis?

Although you can’t completely reverse osteoporosis, there are ways to manage it. Some of those methods are things you can do every day through diet and exercise. Your doctor may also recommend that you take medicine.

Does Forteo help with osteoporosis?

Forteo for Osteoporosis. Forteo (teriparatide) is the only FDA-approved osteoporosis medication that builds bone. Myth: No Treatment Helps Active Osteoporosis. Even if you already have osteoporosis, many medicines can help prevent bone loss and rebuild bone. They also may lower your chances for bone fractures.

What are some exercises to help with osteoporosis?

So is regular weight-bearing exercise, such as weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing . If you have osteoporosis, avoid activities that involve twisting your spine or bending forward from the waist, such as conventional sit-ups, toe touches, or swinging a golf club.

How to contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation?

301-565-2966 (TTY ) [email protected]. www.niams.nih.gov. National Osteoporosis Foundation. 800-231-4222 (toll-free) [email protected]. www.nof.org. This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

What is a bone mineral density test?

A bone mineral density test compares your bone density to the bones of an average healthy young adult. The test result, known as a T-score, tells you how strong your bones are, whether you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, and your risk for having a fracture.

Why is osteoporosis considered a silent disease?

Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years. Bone is living tissue. To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue.

What happens to the bones in your 40s?

As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced. A close look at the inside of bone shows something like a honeycomb. When you have osteoporosis, the spaces in this honeycomb grow larger, and the bone that forms the honeycomb gets smaller. The outer shell of your bones also gets thinner.

How do you know if you have osteoporosis?

For some people, the first sign of osteoporosis is to realize they are getting shorter or to break a bone easily. Don’t wait until that happens to see if you have osteoporosis. You can have a bone density test to find out how strong your bones are.

How to keep bones strong?

To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue. Sometime around age 30, bone mass stops increasing, and the goal for bone health is to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can. As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced.

Abstract

Approximately 10 million men and women in the U.S. have osteoporosis, 1 a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone architecture that increase the risk of fractures. 2 Osteoporosis-related fractures can increase pain, disability, nursing home placement, total health care costs, and mortality.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that increases a person’s risk of fracture due to low bone mineral density (BMD), impaired bone microarchitecture/mineralization, and/or decreased bone strength.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Bones provide structure for the body, protection for the organs, and storage for minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, that are essential for bone development and stability. Individuals continue to build bone and will reach peak bone mass at about 30 years of age, after which they begin to lose bone mass steadily.

ETIOLOGY

Primary osteoporosis is often associated with age and sex hormone deficiency. Age-related osteoporosis results from the continuous deterioration of the trabeculae in bone. In addition, the reduction of estrogen production in post menopausal women causes a significant increase in bone loss.

SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS

Published osteoporosis screening guidelines vary greatly. In general, most organizations recommend that all adults older than 50 years of age with a history of fracture receive BMD screening.

SELECT GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In a systematic review, Solomon et al. looked at 18 osteoporosis guidelines, among them those of the NOF, the ACR, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE).

NONPHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

Nonpharmacological management of osteoporosis includes adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation, limitation of alcohol/caffeine consumption, and fall-prevention techniques. 2 – 6, 9, 18, 34

What is osteoporosis cellular?

Abstract. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that , on a cellular level, results from osteoclastic bone resorption not compensated by osteoblastic bone formation. This causes bones to become weak and fragile, thus increasing the risk of fractures. Traditional pathophysiological concepts of osteoporosis focused on endocrine mechanisms such as ...

What is the role of remodeling in osteoporosis?

The crucial role of remodeling in overall bone homeostasis is highlighted by the fact that impaired remodeling favoring bone resorption over bone formation is a fundamental pathophysiological mechanism leading to bone pathologies such as osteoporosis.

How do estrogens affect bone resorption?

Estrogens inhibit bone resorption directly by stimulating the apoptosis of osteoclasts and suppressing the apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes (Bagger et al., 2004[8]). Primarily they were prescribed for the relief of postmenopausal symptoms like insomnia, sweating, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness.

What is SOST in osteoblasts?

The molecule Sclerostin (SOST) is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling. Absence of SOST due to loss of function mutations in van Buchem disease and sclerostosis is linked to a high bone mass phenotype, thereby evidencing a crucial role of this pathway in osteoblast physiology (de Vernejoul and Kornak, 2010[41]).

What are the three types of bone cells?

Key cellular components in bone modeling and remodeling are three types of bone cells: bone resorbing osteoclasts, bone forming osteoblasts, and osteocytes, former osteoblasts that have become trapped in the bone matrix (Figure 1(Fig. 1)).

Why are oral preparations associated with a high number of non-adherence and reduced treatment effects?

Oral preparations are associated with a high number of non-adherence and reduced treatment effects due to side effects, low absorption of the oral preparation, and the manner of administration. Furthermore, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and functional decline in elderly patients account for this drawback (Gamboa et al., 2018[50]).

What is the most common form of metabolic bone disease?

Osteoporosis, the most frequent form of metabolic bone diseases, is defined as a ”skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture”.

How to treat osteoporosis?

Treatments for established osteoporosis may include exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications. Exercise and supplementation are often suggested to help you prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing, resistance and balance exercises are all important.

What does osteoporosis mean?

The word ‘osteoporosis’ means ‘porous bone.’. It is a disease that weakens bones, and if you have it, you are at a greater risk for sudden and unexpected bone fractures. Osteoporosis means that you have less bone mass and strength. The disease often develops without any symptoms or pain, and it is usually not discovered until ...

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

Everyone’s risk for osteoporosis fractures increases with age. However, women over the age of 50 or postmenopausal women have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis.

What is the condition that weakens bones?

Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. The disease often progresses without any symptoms or pain, and is not found until bones fracture. You can take steps to prevent this disease, and treatments do exist. Appointments & Access.

How long does it take for a hip fracture to die?

A significant number of people have osteoporosis and have hip fractures die within one year of the fracture. Always call your healthcare provider if you fall, if you are worried about bone breaks, or if you have back pain that is severe that comes on suddenly.

What age is the most likely to develop osteoporosis?

However, women over the age of 50 or postmenopausal women have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. Women undergo rapid bone loss in the first 10 years after entering menopause, because menopause slows the production of estrogen, a hormone that protects against excessive bone loss. Age and osteoporosis affect men also.

What is the inside of a bone called?

The inside of healthy bone looks like a sponge. This area is called trabecular bone. An outer shell of dense bone wraps around the spongy bone. This hard shell is called cortical bone. When osteoporosis occurs, the "holes" in the "sponge" grow larger and more numerous, which weakens the inside of the bone.

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shreenidhi Kulkarni
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment aims to slow or stop bone loss, and to improve bone density. Medications help improve bone density.
Medication

Bisphosphonates: This medication helps to prevent the bone loss. It may be taken orally or by injection.

Alendronate . Ibandronate . Zoledronic acid


Hormone therapy: Helps to prevent bone loss. Administered through injection every 6 months.

Denosumab


Hormone therapy: Helps to increase the bone density. This mimics the estrogen hormone. Usually given for women.

Raloxifene


Hormone therapy: In men this hormone therapy helps to increase the bone density.

Testosterone


Supplements: To improve bone health.

Vitamin D . Calcium supplements

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Dairy products
  • Low fat and non fat milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Fish
  • Canned sardines and salmon
  • Fatty variety fishes like tuna, mackerel
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Green beans, peas, spinach, tomato, dark green vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • Alcohol

Specialist to consult

Orthopedician
Specializes in bones and their disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9