Why are some people more prone to breaking a bone?

Could just be bad luck. Or it could be due to an underlying condition with our bones – Osteoporosis.  Loosely translated it means ‘porous bone’. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) defines osteoporosis as “a condition where bones become thin, weak and fragile, such that even a minor bump or accident can cause a broken bone…”. ​

Risk Factors

• Age >45years
• Gender (Women:Men 4:1)
• History of early menopause
• Family history
• Previous history of fractures
• Low BMI (<20kg/m2)
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Long term use of antidepressants
• Other pre-existing conditions, such as:
  • Diabetes, HIV, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, Asthma.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms?   

• Fracturing a bone could be the most straight forward symptom
  
• Gradual height loss
  
• Back pain
  
• Joint/muscle pain that may actually be stress fractures. 

What can be done?  
Research has indicated a healthy diet including calcium, protein and Vitamin D can help with bone growth. Supplements/medication as prescribed by your GP may also be necessary. However, diet and supplements alone are not sufficient. The AIHW recommends “behaviour modification such as regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise” to help prevent osteoporosis. Regular weight bearing and strength exercises help maintain and promote bone mineral density.​

It is never too late to improve your bone health. ​

#osteoporosis #BMD #fractures #bonestrength

More information here

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoporosis  
https://www.physiolabs.com.au/body-health-bone-health-balance-bootcamp-osteporosis.html  
https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/  
https://www.knowyourbones.org.au/  
 ​

References

https://nethealthbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bigstock-Osteoporosis-Stages-Image-Ost-219561823.jpg ​
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis/contents/what-is-osteoporosis  
https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/health-professionals#facts-statistics  
​http://www.hgh.com/health/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/osteoporosis-facts.jpg  ​