Osteoporosis
is a condition in which the bones become
fragile and brittle, leading to a higher
risk of fractures (breaks or cracks) than
normal bone. Osteoporosis occurs when bones
lose minerals such as calcium, and the body
cannot replace these minerals fast enough
to keep the bones healthy. As a result, bones
become thinner and less dense.
Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis,
but the most common sites are bones in
the hip, spine, wrist, ribs, pelvis and
upper arm. Osteoporosis has no signs or
symptoms usually until a fracture occurs
- this is why osteoporosis is often called
a silent disease.
Fractures due to osteoporosis are known
as osteoporotic fractures. These can lead
to changes in posture (eg developing a
stoop or Dowager's hump in your back),
muscle weakness, loss of height and deformity
of the area affected. Fractures can lead
to long-term pain and disability, loss
of independence, and may even contribute
to premature death.
Osteoporosis
NSW (an activity
of Arthritis NSW) can provide you with
brochures and information on osteoporosis
including how to maintain healthy bones
and prevent
the first fracture.
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