Osteopenia - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Written By: Dr. Azzam Fayyad
Updated On:January 30, 2025
What is Osteopenia?
Bone density decrease is known as osteopenia. Your bones don't contain the proper amount of minerals if you have low bone density. As a result, they may become weaker and you may be more susceptible to bone fractures.
Your bone density is lower than normal if you have osteopenia. Following menopause or turning 50, most individuals have their bone density evaluated every several years, but you may require more frequent monitoring.
Causes of Osteopenia
Osteopenia typically develops spontaneously as people age. Like every other part of your body, your bones are made of living tissue. They are always developing, altering, and reforming themselves throughout your life, even if it may not seem like it.
As they age, most people have some bone density loss. Around the age of 25, your bones reach their peak density and begin to deteriorate more quickly than your body can regenerate them. For most people, this normal decrease presents no problems. Nonetheless, osteopenia, or excessive bone density loss, increases the risk of developing osteoporosis in later life.
Symptoms of Osteopenia
Usually, there are no visible or palpable symptoms associated with osteopenia. For this reason, medical professionals occasionally refer to osteopenia as a silent illness.
When to see a doctor for Osteopenia?
If you observe any changes in your body that raise concerns about the health of your bones, see a healthcare practitioner. Any other symptoms you're having should be mentioned to your doctor, particularly if you have bone discomfort or difficulty moving. Find out from your healthcare practitioner how frequently you should get your bone density examined, particularly if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis in your biological family.
Osteopenia Risk Factors
Although osteopenia can affect everyone, certain individuals are more susceptible to it than others, such as:
- Adults who are above 50
- Females
- Those who have gone through menopause
- Those who consume tobacco goods or smoke
- Those who consume alcohol on a daily basis (more than two drinks).
A number of medical disorders can reduce bone density or exacerbate osteopenia. These include
- An overactive thyroid
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Lack of nutrition
- A lack of calcium or vitamin D.
- Hormone abnormalities
- Eating disorders
- Bone-related autoimmune disorders
Osteopenia Complications
The two primary consequences of osteopenia are an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. By itself, osteopenia is asymptomatic. However, even after minor accidents or falls, having low bone density increases your risk of breaking a bone significantly.
Osteopenia Diagnosis
An osteopenia diagnosis is made by a medical professional using a bone density test. An imaging examination called a bone density test gauges how strong your bones are. The amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones is measured using X-rays.
The best method to detect osteopenia before it progresses to osteoporosis is to get your bone density checked. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, your doctor may advise you to undergo routine bone density testing.
A bone density test will likely be necessary for you to monitor any changes in your bone structure if you have osteopenia.
Osteopenia Treatment
Treatments for osteopenia that strengthen your remaining bone tissue and reduce bone loss will be recommended by your physician. Preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures is the most crucial aspect of treating osteopenia.
Among the most popular therapies for osteopenia are:
- Exercise and physical activity: Being physically active helps strengthen your bones, as well as all the tissue that is attached to them, such as your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Weight-bearing activities may be recommended by your healthcare professional to build muscle and improve your balance. Exercises that force your body to fight against gravity, such as tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and walking, can help you become more balanced and stronger without overstressing your bones. To discover the exercises and motions that are best for you, you might need to consult with a physical therapist.
- Supplements, including vitamins and minerals: You may require prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) calcium or vitamin D. Which type, how often, and what dose you require will all be determined by your physician. The majority of people can cure osteopenia without a prescription drug. If osteoporosis develops later in life, your physician may recommend prescription medicine to address the condition.
- Adhering to a nutritious dietary regimen: In addition to improving your general health, eating enough and obtaining the proper vitamins and minerals will strengthen your bones. You can work with your healthcare physician or a qualified dietitian to develop a customized dietary plan.
Osteopenia Prevention
Osteopenia is typically not preventable. Age-related bone loss is a natural occurrence for everyone and cannot be prevented. Treatments for osteopenia also happen to be some of the finest strategies to build bone and decrease bone loss. If you have concerns about osteopenia or osteoporosis, discuss strategies for enhancing your bone health with your healthcare physician.
References
Eriksen, E. F. (2012). Treatment of osteopenia. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 13, 209-223.
Karaguzel, G., & Holick, M. F. (2010). Diagnosis and treatment of osteopenia. Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders, 11(4), 237-251.
Lems, W. F., Raterman, H. G., van den Bergh, J. P., Bijlsma, H. W., Valk, N. K., Zillikens, M. C., & Geusens, P. (2011). Osteopenia: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Current osteoporosis reports, 9, 167-172.
Varacallo, M., Seaman, T. J., Jandu, J. S., & Pizzutillo, P. (2018). Osteopenia.
13
Meet our doctors from the Orthopaedics department
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Similar Posts
teleMEDCARE App
Download teleMEDCARE app from Google Play or App Store to connect immediately to Medcare doctors at a click of a button and without an appointment.
Home Services
We offer our patients a broad range of home health care services in the comfort of their own homes. Book an appointment for lab tests, vaccinations, nurses and physiotherapists.
Chronic Care
Know more about our Chronic Care Management Programme in partnership with Damana Saicohealth.
teleMEDCARE App mobile
Download teleMEDCARE app from Google Play or App Store to connect immediately to Medcare doctors at a click of a button and without an appointment.
Home Services
We offer our patients a broad range of home health care services in the comfort of their own homes. Book an appointment for lab tests, vaccinations, nurses and physiotherapists.
Spotii
We have partnered with Spotii to offer a more flexible way to pay - Pay over time for your purchase. No interest, no cost & no catch.
