Osteopenia is a condition where patients have lower bone mass or bone mineral density than is typical for their age. Nevertheless, osteoporosis cannot be diagnosed by medical specialists since the bone mineral density is still too high. When the body loses bone mass or density, osteoporosis develops. The bone structure generally resembles a honeycomb. Less dense bone has greater structural flaws, which possibly weaken the bone and increase its risk of shattering.
Osteopenia V/s Osteoporosis
The severity of osteoporosis is greater than that of osteopenia. Loss of bone mass or bone mineral density is known as osteopenia. Without therapy, it advances to osteoporosis, which is the stage preceding that condition. Osteoporosis develops when bone tissue undergoes structural changes or when bone mineral density and bone mass continue to decline. Osteoporosis deteriorates bone strength and raises the possibility of fractures.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoporosis and osteopenia are uncommon. Sometimes the first indication of either condition is a fracture. Loss of height is a typical sign of osteopenia. As a person ages, it’s typical for them to lose height after reaching their adult peak. However, a greater than usual loss in height might indicate a problem with bone health. Fractures may be more likely in those with osteopenia. It may be a sign of a bone problem if a person over 50 falls from a low height, like standing height, and breaks a bone. A bone density test will be required to determine if they have osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Because osteoporosis may make bones extremely brittle, people may fracture from very tiny bumps or insignificant activities, such as:
- Raising
- Wheezing
- Falling from a standing position
Spinal vertebrae might fall out due to osteoporosis. Vertebral collapse signs include:
- Loss of height
- Extreme back pain
- Alterations in posture, such as hunching or stooping
Treatment
Osteopenia therapy aims to help stop the illness from turning into osteoporosis and to stop fractures.Treatment options include:
- Following a calcium-rich diet
- Obtaining sufficient vitamin D, which some people may need to supplement
- Exercising regularly with weights
- Using prescription drugs to boost bone density and avoid osteoporosis
Osteoporosis patients may undergo treatments to lessen bone loss and avoid fractures which include:
- Eating a healthy diet that includes calcium- and vitamin-D-rich foods
- Exercising to increase strength, balance, and muscular mass, which will assist prevent falling
- Using certain drugs to help decrease bone loss and fracture risk
