Causes of osteoporosis

Written by Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
Updated on December 26, 2024
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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.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

What to eat for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis refers to decreased bone density and bone mass, which increases the fragility of bones and can lead to fractures and other systemic skeletal diseases. It commonly occurs in postmenopausal women or arises due to degenerative changes in the elderly. To prevent osteoporosis, one can start with dietary adjustments by increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, shrimp crackers, kelp, and legumes. It is also important to engage in appropriate physical activities to enhance bone strength, thereby helping to prevent the exacerbation of osteoporosis. However, merely supplementing with calcium might not be very effective; it is also appropriate to supplement with Vitamin D. If adding calcium alone does not alleviate the symptoms, it might be necessary to use medications that reduce the loss of calcium to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

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Written by Liu Hong Xia
Endocrinology
56sec home-news-image

Clinical symptoms of osteoporosis

The clinical symptoms of osteoporosis, in mild cases, may result in no discomfort at all. As the condition worsens gradually, pain may surface in the lumbar and back areas, or even aches throughout the body. This commonly intensifies after physical exertion or activity, leading to a decline in weight-bearing capability, or even an inability to bear weight. The second symptom is a reduction in height and shrinking stature, commonly due to vertebral compression fractures, which can be solitary or multiple, occurring with or without a specific cause. The third symptom involves fragile fractures, which can occur from minimal activities or traumas, like bending, bearing weight, compression, or falling. These are commonly known as brittle fractures, which are clinical manifestations of osteoporosis.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 22sec home-news-image

What to eat for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is commonly seen in elderly people and mainly refers to a reduction in bone tissue per unit volume, which affects the structure and function of bones. To prevent and treat osteoporosis, it is important to supplement various nutritional elements in daily life, such as calcium, phosphorus, protein, fats, and vitamin D. So, what is good to eat for osteoporosis? Foods rich in calcium are recommended, including milk, milk powder, oysters, eggs, soybeans and soy products, pork bone soup, fish, shrimp, and dried scallops, and should be consumed more frequently. Additionally, foods like carrots, Chinese cabbage, celery, rapeseed, garlic sprouts, leeks, jujube, persimmons, and olives also contain a good amount of calcium and should be included in the diet. Supplementing vitamin D: Vitamin D, after being exposed to ultraviolet sunlight, is an essential substance that promotes the calcification of bones. Taking vitamin D can increase the intestinal absorption of calcium and help in its deposition in the bones, making them stronger. Therefore, patients with osteoporosis should regularly take vitamin D and frequently sunbathe.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of osteoporosis in women?

Symptoms of osteoporosis in women generally include the following: The first is pain, which can be localized back pain or generalized pain throughout the body. The second is spinal deformity, which is often manifested by bending and hunching over, as well as some individuals appearing shorter than before—these conditions are also caused by osteoporosis, leading to reduced bone strength and vertebral deformity. The third is brittle fractures, which occur because osteoporosis leads to a reduction in bone mass, making the bones less sturdy. Even a minor external force can cause a fracture, for example, a simple fall might result in a distal radius fracture. Thus, the basic symptoms of osteoporosis in women include pain, spinal deformity, and brittle fractures.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Dietary taboos for osteoporosis

Dietary therapy for osteoporosis is an important treatment method. First, eat foods that are high in calcium. Second, consume high protein diets; third, moderately supplement vitamins. Avoid high-salt diets, because the main component of salt, sodium chloride, affects bone metabolism. Sodium chloride primarily increases the excretion of calcium, meaning that higher levels of sodium chloride lead to higher levels of calcium excretion. Therefore, high sodium diets can increase the amount of calcium excreted in urine; excessive intake of sodium chloride can lead to further loss of calcium. Thus, it is essential to focus on a low-sodium diet.