Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease wherein there is an accelerated loss of bone mass and a reduction in bone quality. If not prevented or if left untreated, it can progress painlessly until a bone breaks, usually in the hip, spine and/or wrist.

Fractures to the hip and spine are of greatest concern, although any bone can be affected, A hip fracture usually requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can affect a person’s ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. When fractures occur in the spine, spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

Causes/Risk Factors	Symptoms	Consequences	Treatment
Specific causes are not known but there are risk factors: older age female gender Caucasian or Asian race small, slender bones low calcium diet past menopause low physical activity ovaries removed cigarette smoking too much alcohol & caffeine family history excessive use of medications such as cortisone & prednisone previous fracture certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis & lupus	often there are no symptoms fractures if vertebrae break, there is severe back pain, loss in height & spinal deformity	bones become fragile and are susceptible to fracture loss of height severe back pain deformity	eat a calcium rich diet take in enough Vitamin D estrogen replacement therapy (to be determined by client’s Physician) do weight bearing exercises wear a back brace or corset (determined by Physician) use walking aids medications surgery

How Preferred Care at Home Caregivers Can Help Clients With Osteoporosis

Encourage clients to:
do some physical activity everyday;
avoid cigarettes and other forms of smoking;
establish an exercise program with the help of a Physical Therapist
avoid falling:
- walk carefully – be alert for uneven ground;
- wear good shoes;
- don’t hurry when conducting activities;
- reduce risk of accidents by making the home safe;
- eat a diet with sufficient calcium and Vitamin D; and,
- discuss hormone therapy with their Doctor.
manage pain:
- apply ice and heat compresses;
- take medications (consult with Doctor);
- positive thinking;
- relaxation;
- meditation;
- acupuncture;
- visualization; and,
- surgery.

Osteoporosis

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