Can osteoporosis be cured?

Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
Updated on September 25, 2024
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We cannot generalize about this issue. For instance, osteoporosis caused by certain medications can be cured after stopping the medication and then undergoing treatment for osteoporosis. If the osteoporosis is caused by a certain disease, it can also be cured after the disease is treated. However, for some chronic long-term diseases that inherently cannot be cured, osteoporosis caused by these diseases is difficult to cure. Then there are many patients with primary osteoporosis who, after comprehensive treatment that includes supplements of calcium and vitamin D3 and regular use of anti-osteoporotic pain medications, can completely lose their symptoms after several years. When bone density tests are performed, these patients' bone density has moved out of the osteoporosis range. This can also be considered a clinical cure.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Which department should I go to for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis should be treated in the endocrinology department. First, let's understand what osteoporosis is. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis can generally be divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis is also known as postmenopausal osteoporosis and senile osteoporosis, and postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common type, directly related to the lack of estrogen. Therefore, osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease and belongs to metabolic disorders, so it should be treated in the endocrinology department.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What to do with osteoporosis?

When osteoporosis occurs, it is first important to determine the cause of the osteoporosis, whether it's due to postmenopausal women, overuse injuries, or osteoporosis caused by long periods of immobilization following trauma. If such osteoporosis occurs, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D, especially for postmenopausal women and elderly individuals affected by degenerative changes. These supplements can be taken orally, and appropriate physical exercise can be incorporated to increase bone strength and achieve recovery. In cases of disuse osteoporosis, appropriate functional exercises should be performed to allow for active muscle contractions and slight weight-bearing by the bones, which promotes circulation around the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can osteoporosis be cured?

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and loss of bone mass, which increases the brittleness of bones and may lead to fractures. It can be primary or secondary, with primary osteoporosis commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Such osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass that occurs with physiological changes in the body. It can only be prevented, not cured, and complications caused by osteoporosis, such as fractures and pain, can only be alleviated, not completely cured. Therefore, early prevention is necessary.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
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How to exercise with osteoporosis

How should people with osteoporosis exercise? Many patients with osteoporosis believe that exercising could lead to fractures. In fact, by exercising, muscles can develop more fully, which not only protects the bones but also indirectly provides better support for bone metabolism. As long as scientific exercise methods are used and accidents and injuries are avoided, fractures will not occur. The following exercises are very suitable for osteoporosis patients to practice regularly. The first type is Tai Chi. Tai Chi can be considered a national treasure of China. It is a slow and elegant exercise that emphasizes coordination of the body and mind, and has functions that strengthen bones. Tai Chi can slow the rate of bone loss. The second type is Yoga. Research has found that women who regularly practice yoga have significant increases in spinal bone density. This slow and delicate exercise can increase the bone density in the hips, spine, and wrists. However, patients with osteoporosis should exercise within their limits. Excessive exercise or improper physical activity can be a burden on the patient's body and may cause adverse consequences. It is recommended to consult a doctor and choose an appropriate exercise method.

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Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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Causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a reduction in bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue microstructure, and increased bone fragility, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It is a metabolic bone disease. Some cases are primary, also referred to as postmenopausal osteoporosis, which generally lacks specific causes and is mainly linked to estrogen deficiency. There is also a category known as secondary osteoporosis, which has a variety of causes, primarily secondary to metabolic endocrine disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes, and growth hormone deficiency. Additionally, some hematologic disorders, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can lead to osteoporosis. There are also some less common or rare diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta and scurvy that can cause osteoporosis. Furthermore, long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, can lead to osteoporosis. Kidney diseases, such as chronic renal failure and renal tubular acidosis, can also cause osteoporosis.