Osteoporosis is a bone disease that primarily affects the elderly. Osteoporosis is caused by a loss of bone mass, resulting in thin, brittle bones. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, the condition affects women more than men. Women account for more than two-thirds of all osteoporosis patients.
Knowing the symptoms of osteoporosis can help with early detection because you will know what to look for. Those with a family history of osteoporosis must be more cautious about the disease’s onset and vigilant about the appearance of early symptoms. Let us look at some of the symptoms and signs.
Gums Receding
A receding gumline can be caused by minor gum disease or plaque, or it can indicate a more serious problem, such as the onset of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can cause bone mass loss, affecting the bones in the jaw as well. To determine whether your bone loss is due to osteoporosis, ask your dentist to perform a screening to determine if there is a loss of bone mass in your jaw. If your receding gums indicate the onset of osteoporosis, see your primary care physician, who will most likely refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related conditions.
Weakening Grip
The strength of your grip can be an early indicator of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of losing bone mineral density. This makes them prone to bone fractures and falls. A decrease in grip strength can be a sign of the slow progression of osteoporosis and should be treated with caution. A correct diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan, can significantly slow the progression of the condition.
Brittle Nails
A loss of nail luster and strength can be an indication of osteoporosis, but it is not always caused by the condition. Inadequate nail care, a lack of calcium or vitamins, and the use of nail polishes and acrylic nails for an extended period of time can all lead to nail damage. The majority of the conditions listed above can be signs of osteoporosis developing early. Early detection of osteoporosis symptoms can lead to more effective disease management and a better prognosis.
Today, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or have low bone mass, putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis. According to studies, one-half of women and one-fourth of men over the age of 50 will suffer a bone fracture as a result of osteoporosis.
