When you’re older, a trip and fall can be far more than just a mild annoyance. As you get older, your bones aren’t as strong as they used to be, meaning your risk of breaks and fractures are much higher. This risk is made more severe if you suffer from a condition known as osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that lowers your bone density, making them weaker and more brittle. It develops over the course of several years and makes you more susceptible to breaks and fractures. With osteoporosis, the fall or impact doesn’t even have to be that great for a bone to break. A simple misstep or strong sneeze can result in a fracture.  

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are:

• Broken hips
• Broken wrists
• Broken vertebrae
• Broken Pelvis

Another tell-tale sign of osteoporosis is a stooped or humped posture. This happens when the weakened spinal bones have broken under the weight of your body.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

In the UK, over half a million people in the UK have to visit a hospital for treatment related to osteoporosis fractures. Losing bone density is a natural part of the ageing process, however if you have osteoporosis this loss occurs at a much faster rate.

Osteoporosis can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in women, especially in menopausal and post-menopausal women, as well as women who go into early menopause. This is because the menopause reduces the levels of a sex hormone called oestrogen that is essential for bone strength.

In men, one of the most common risk factors is low testosterone levels. Reduced production of testosterone can be due to certain medications, alcoholism, and hypogonadism.

Other risk factors for osteoporosis are:

• Prolonged use of high-dose steroids
• Hormonal disorders like Cushing’s Syndrome and hyperthyroidism
• A hysterectomy before age 45
• Malabsorption issues
• Eating disorders or malnutrition
• Being underweight
• Being inactive or exercising to excess
• Heavy drinking and/or smoking
• A family history of osteoporosis

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a condition that occurs before osteoporosis, where you’re losing bone density without having osteoporosis yet. A diagnosis of osteopenia doesn’t always end up developing into osteoporosis, especially if you take steps to strengthen your bones. 

Your bones are the strongest around age 30. The higher your bone mass at this point, the stronger your bones will be later in life. 

How to Prevent Bone Fractures

Even if you’re over the age of 30, it’s never too late to take steps to increase your bone density and bone strength. Getting more calcium into your diet is one of the best steps you can take to help keep your bones strong. You can do this through adding certain foods and drinks to your diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurts are high in calcium and are easily absorbed by your body. Leafy greens, sardines, breads made with fortified flour, and other fortified foods can also boost your calcium intake.

Another nutrient you should aim to get enough of is vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body process and absorb the calcium you consume. Sunlight is the cheapest and easiest way to get vitamin D and you don’t have to be a sun-worshipper to get enough. Simply spend a few minutes outside in direct sunlight a few times a week. Vitamin D can also be found in oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

If you aren’t able to get enough vitamin D or calcium on your own, add supplements into your daily routine. Supplements are affordable and widely available from retailers and pharmacies like us.

You can also strengthen your bones through weight bearing exercises that use your feet and legs to support your weight. While running, dancing, and aerobics are effective ways to strengthen your bones, joints, and ligaments, there are low-impact exercises you can do if you aren’t able to do strenuous exercise These include tai chi, golf, weight training, and walking at a brisk pace.

Osteoporosis Treatment

A diagnosis of osteoporosis uses a specific type of scan called a bone density scan. Also known as a  DEXA scan, it utilises low doses of x-rays to see how dense your bones are. It’s quick, painless, and all you have to do is lie still while your bones are scanned. This type of scan is far more effective than a traditional x-ray and can show a doctor how likely your bones are to break.

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your GP may prescribe medication to prevent bone fractures and slow down the disease. Not everyone will need medication so your proposed treatment will depend on your age, gender, medical history, and fracture risk.

For those who don’t need medication or whose risk of fractures is low, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage osteoporosis. Your healthcare provider will discuss your options with you when you are diagnosed.

One of the most common types of medication prescribed to treat osteoporosis are bisphosphonates like Bonviva Ibandronic Acid Tablets. They work by slowing down the rate that your bones are broken down, helping keep your bone density levels up.

Osteoporosis Treatment Side Effects

Even over-the-counter medications have the potential to cause side effects. Not everyone who takes bisphosphonates will experience side effects or experience them long-term. Many side effects will go away on their own as you continue taking the medication.

Commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Changes in bowel habits
• Muscle and joint pain
• Dizziness

If your side effects become severe or don’t go away, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Osteoporosis treatment is available at low prices at our website. If you have osteoporosis and want a seamless and hassle-free way to buy your osteoporosis medicine online, visit our website. There you can buy Bonviva Ibandronic Acid Tablets online as well as several other medications and treatments.

After our in-house prescribers review your request, we’ll have your medication sent safely and securely right to your doorstep. Contact us today or visit our online pharmacy storefront to find out more.