Osteoporosis or bone disease which leads to a disabling condition where the bones tend to break much faster, which also develops throughout the life of a woman. Osteopenia is a condition wherein the woman starts experiencing a reduction in bone mineral density. In this stage, the bone density remains lower than normal. As age progresses, osteopenia develops into osteoporosis. Though all women who have osteopenia may not develop osteoporosis, the chances of osteopenia turning into osteoporosis are very high. Women with osteoporosis are prone to suffer serious fractures and other bone-related problems. Besides causing disfigurement, osteoporosis hampers mobility and the individual’s independent life. If you live in Chennai and you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, it is best that you visit the top Chrompet ortho hospital.

Osteopenia Diagnosis:

Your bone health can be determined in two ways. One method is checking bone density or the thickness of the bone. The other method is to determine the bone mass or bone weight. The amount of bone in your body will be at its peak when you are around 30 years of age. Thereafter, it starts declining. This is because your body starts reabsorbing bones faster than the rate at which they build up. To determine your bone density, your doctor may recommend specific blood tests, which essentially determine the levels of minerals such as calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, etc., in your bones.

The most accurate way of diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis is via a bone mineral density test using a Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan.

The results of a DEXA scan are provided as T-scores:

• A T-score of more than -1 indicates normal bones
• A T-score of -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia
• T-score -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis

Other tests done to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis include quantitative ultrasound, which helps to assess bone density and strength by measuring the speed of sound as it passes through the bone.

Osteopenia And Osteoporosis Risk Factors:

Risk factors that lead to the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis are the same, and they include:

• Gender (risk is higher for females)
• Being thin (having a smaller frame)
• Calcium deficient diet
• Smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• Genetic predisposition
• Heavy consumption of alcohol
• Early menopause

Most women with weak bones may not be aware that they have osteopenia. Often, the first sign of osteopenia may be a fractured bone. Sometimes, a bone fracture may be an indication that your condition has progressed into osteoporosis. Having said that, people who must undergo a bone mineral density test are:

• Women above 65 years
• Women above 60 years with increased risk of suffering fractures

Most women diagnosed with osteoporosis experience pain, affecting their sleep quality. A lack of sleep makes people feel tired the next day. This is to say that there is a link between osteoporosis and fatigue. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you consult the best ortho doctor in Chennai.

Weak Bones: Causes And Diseases:

When you are young, the bone build-up is faster compared to breakdown. This helps to maintain your bone mass. When you cross 35, your bone breakdown becomes faster than the bone build-up. Women with osteoporosis lose bone mass very quickly. The diseases that are commonly caused because of weak bones are:

• Osteoporosis
• Osteopenia
• Bone infection
• Bone tumours
• Osteonecrosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Paget’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Gout

How to Make Your Bones Strong?

Tips for strengthening your bones include the following:

• Eat calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables.
• Eat foods such as milk, egg yolk, and fatty fish that are rich in vitamin D as it enables the absorption of calcium in your body.
• Lead an active life. Involve in some physical activity (walking, jogging, push-ups, lifting weights, or yoga) for at least 150 minutes a week.
• Quit alcohol and smoking as they speed up the process of weakening bones.
• Consume foods that provide vitamin K as it supports calcium and bone formation. Green leafy vegetables are also vitamin K-rich foods.
• Maintain healthy body weight. Excessive body weight puts additional pressure on your bones and joints, increasing joint wear and tear.
• Build muscles to support your bones. Building muscles also helps to maintain balance and stay coordinated.
• Vitamins that support bone and joint health are:

1. Vitamin A: Rich sources of this fat-soluble vitamin are fish, meat, oranges, and vegetables.
2. Low vitamin B12 levels are linked to the development of osteoporosis. Some of the foods that provide this vitamin are eggs, fish, milk, and dairy products.
3. Vitamin C is essential to improve bone density. Intake of vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, lemons, cauliflower, kale, bell peppers, etc., will be very helpful.
4. Women who are not on blood thinners can consume foods such as olive oil, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard, which are rich in vitamin K.

Osteopenia can be a cause of serious concern for all women, irrespective of their age or health condition. This is because osteopenia leads to full-blown osteoporosis. You can prevent these conditions from impacting the quality of your life by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly to maintain body weight and build muscles, and avoiding smoking and drinking in moderation. If you are in the post-menopausal stage in life, talk to your doctor and find out how you can maintain your bone and joint health.

Sugam Hospital

Sugam is one of the best ortho hospitals in Chrompet, with a well-equipped orthopaedics department manned by qualified specialists with many years of experience in the field. The ortho team at Sugam has the expertise to handle all kinds of cases. Sugam is a multispecialty hospital, and the facilities available include even a modern blood bank in Chennai. If you want to maintain your bone and joint health and enjoy the freedom of movement, call and fix an appointment with one of our specialists.