What is osteopenia and how does it differ from osteoporosis. How is osteopenia diagnosed and what are the risk factors. What are the recommended treatments and prevention strategies for osteopenia. How can lifestyle changes impact bone health in osteopenia.

Understanding Osteopenia: The Precursor to Osteoporosis

Osteopenia is a condition characterized by lower than normal bone mineral density (BMD), but not as severe as osteoporosis. It represents a stage of bone loss that falls between normal bone density and osteoporosis on the spectrum of bone health. To better understand this condition, let’s explore its definition, diagnosis, and implications.

What exactly is osteopenia?

Osteopenia occurs when bone density is lower than normal peak density but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It’s essentially a midpoint between healthy bones and osteoporosis, indicating weakened bones that are at an increased risk of fractures.

How prevalent is osteopenia?

Osteopenia affects approximately half of Americans over the age of 50, making it a significant health concern for the aging population. While it’s more common in women, about a third of white and Asian men over 50 are also affected, with slightly lower percentages in Hispanic (23%) and black (19%) men.

Diagnosing Osteopenia: The Role of Bone Density Testing

The primary method for diagnosing osteopenia is through bone density testing. This non-invasive procedure provides crucial information about bone health and fracture risk.

What is a DXA scan?

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density. This painless, non-invasive test measures the mineral content of bone, providing a T-score that determines whether a person falls into the normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis category.

How are T-scores interpreted?

T-scores range from normal (above -1) to osteoporosis (below -2.5). Osteopenia is diagnosed when T-scores fall between -1 and -2.5. The lower the score, the more porous and fragile the bone. It’s important to note that these categories are somewhat arbitrary, and the actual number is more significant than the label.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies for Osteopenia

While bone loss is a natural part of aging, certain factors can accelerate this process. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

What are the main risk factors for osteopenia?

• Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids and anticonvulsants)
• Lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Being female, particularly post-menopausal
• Being of white or Asian ethnicity
• Having a small, thin frame

How can osteopenia be prevented?

Prevention strategies focus on maintaining and improving bone health through lifestyle modifications:

1. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet and supplements
2. Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises (e.g., walking, jogging, dancing)
3. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
4. Discussing medication alternatives with healthcare providers if taking bone-depleting drugs
5. Maintaining a healthy body weight

Treatment Options for Osteopenia: Balancing Risks and Benefits

When it comes to treating osteopenia, healthcare providers must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks of intervention. The approach to treatment often depends on the severity of bone loss and individual risk factors.

Is medication always necessary for osteopenia?

Not necessarily. Many doctors are becoming more cautious about prescribing medications for osteopenia due to the relatively low fracture risk and potential long-term effects of these drugs. For individuals with T-scores above -2, lifestyle modifications and nutritional interventions are often the first line of treatment.

What are the non-pharmacological treatments for osteopenia?

Non-pharmacological treatments focus on improving bone health naturally:

• Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises
• Balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Fall prevention strategies
• Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation

When might medication be considered?

For those with T-scores closer to -2.5 or with additional risk factors, medication may be considered. Common medications include bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). The decision to start medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual risk factors and potential side effects.

The Importance of Nutrition in Managing Osteopenia

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and managing osteopenia. Understanding the key nutrients and their sources can help individuals make informed dietary choices.

Which nutrients are essential for bone health?

The most critical nutrients for bone health include:

• Calcium: The primary mineral in bones
• Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption
• Magnesium: Supports bone mineralization
• Vitamin K: Aids in bone metabolism
• Protein: Provides the structural matrix for bone

How can diet be optimized for bone health?

To support bone health, consider incorporating these dietary strategies:

1. Consume dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods for calcium
2. Include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods for vitamin D
3. Eat nuts, seeds, and whole grains for magnesium
4. Incorporate leafy greens and fermented foods for vitamin K
5. Ensure adequate protein intake from both animal and plant sources

Exercise and Osteopenia: Building Stronger Bones

Physical activity is a cornerstone of osteopenia management and prevention. The right types of exercise can help maintain and even increase bone density.

What types of exercises are best for osteopenia?

The most beneficial exercises for individuals with osteopenia include:

• Weight-bearing aerobic activities (e.g., walking, jogging, dancing)
• Resistance training with weights or resistance bands
• Balance exercises to prevent falls
• Flexibility exercises to maintain range of motion

How often should one exercise for bone health?

For optimal bone health, aim for:

• At least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise on most days of the week
• Resistance training 2-3 times per week, targeting all major muscle groups
• Balance and flexibility exercises daily or as part of a regular routine

Remember to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have osteopenia or other health concerns.

Monitoring Osteopenia: Follow-up and Long-term Management

Regular monitoring is essential for managing osteopenia effectively and preventing its progression to osteoporosis. Understanding the follow-up process can help individuals stay proactive about their bone health.

How often should bone density be tested?

For individuals diagnosed with osteopenia, bone mineral density tests are typically recommended every two to five years. However, the frequency may vary based on individual risk factors and the rate of bone loss.

What should be monitored besides bone density?

In addition to bone density, healthcare providers may monitor:

• Calcium and vitamin D levels through blood tests
• Height measurements to detect potential vertebral fractures
• Fall risk assessments
• Overall health and any new risk factors that may affect bone health

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help ensure that the management plan remains effective and tailored to individual needs.

Living with Osteopenia: Lifestyle Adjustments and Quality of Life

While osteopenia requires attention and management, it doesn’t have to significantly impact quality of life. Making appropriate lifestyle adjustments can help individuals maintain their independence and reduce fracture risk.

How can fall risk be reduced at home?

Implementing these home safety measures can help reduce the risk of falls:

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter
• Improve lighting, especially in stairways and at night
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs
• Use non-slip mats in showers and bathtubs
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach

Can osteopenia affect daily activities?

While osteopenia itself doesn’t typically cause symptoms or limit activities, individuals should be mindful of their increased fracture risk. This awareness might influence choices in physical activities, but it shouldn’t prevent engagement in regular, safe exercise and daily tasks.

By adopting a proactive approach to bone health, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and appropriate medical care, individuals with osteopenia can maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle while minimizing their risk of fractures and further bone loss.

Osteopenia: When you have weak bones, but not osteoporosis

Like their names suggest, osteopenia and osteoporosis are related diseases. Both are varying degrees of bone loss, as measured by bone mineral density, a marker for how strong a bone is and the risk that it might break. If you think of bone mineral density as a slope, normal would be at the top and osteoporosis at the bottom. Osteopenia, which affects about half of Americans over age 50, would fall somewhere in between.

Osteopenia and bone density test

The main way to determine your bone density is to have a painless, noninvasive test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) that measures the mineral content of bone. The measurements, known as T-scores, determine which category — osteopenia, osteoporosis, or normal — a person falls into (see graphic).

Fracture risk increases as bone mineral density declines. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2001 reported that a 50-year-old white woman with a T-score of -1 has a 16% chance of fracturing a hip, a 27% chance with a -2 score, and a 33% chance with a -2. 5 score.

But there isn’t a huge difference between, say, a -2.3 T-score and -2.5, although the former would be labeled osteopenia and the latter, osteoporosis. “The label matters less than the number. These distinctions are to some extent arbitrary lines in the sand,” says Dr. Maureen Connelly, a preventive medicine expert at Harvard Medical School. Regardless of your exact score, if your bone density results fall into the osteopenia category, your doctors will probably schedule you for a bone mineral density test every two to five years.

Osteopenia Prevention

Everybody’s bones get weaker as they get older. But certain choices and habits accelerate the process. They include:

• not getting enough calcium and vitamin D
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol
• using certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• not getting enough weight-bearing exercise (at least 30 minutes on most days). If your feet touch the ground during an exercise, it’s probably weight bearing. Running and walking are weight bearing. Swimming and biking are not.

Women are far more likely to have low bone density than men, but it’s no longer viewed as solely a women’s condition. About a third of white and Asian men over age 50 are affected. The percentages for Hispanics (23%) and blacks (19%) are lower, but still sizable.

Osteopenia treatment

Osteopenia can be treated either with exercise and nutrition or with medications. But some doctors are increasingly wary about overmedicating people who have osteopenia. The fracture risk is low to begin with, and research has shown that medication may not reduce it that much. We also don’t know if the medications might have some long-term effects. So if your T-score is under -2,  you need to be sure you are doing regular weight-bearing exercise, and you are getting enough vitamin D and dietary calcium. If you’re closer to -2.5, your doctor may consider adding medication to keep your bones strong.

Image: © Ridofranz | GettyImages 

Treatment, Symptoms, Diet, and Diagnosis

Osteopenia is lower than normal bone density (BMD), peaking at 35 years old. BMD measures how much mineral is in bones and the likelihood of bone breaking.

Though osteopenia means a lower BMD than normal, it’s not a disease. However, having osteopenia does increase your chances of developing osteoporosis. This bone disease causes fractures and stooped posture and can lead to severe pain and loss of height.

You can take action to prevent osteopenia. The right exercise and food choices may help keep your bones strong. If you have osteopenia, ask your doctor how to improve and prevent worsening so you can avoid osteoporosis.

Osteopenia doesn’t usually cause symptoms. Losing bone density doesn’t cause pain.

Aging is the most common risk factor for osteopenia. After your bone mass peaks, your body breaks down old bone faster than it builds new bone. That means you lose some bone density.

Women lose bone more quickly after menopause, due to lower estrogen levels. If you lose too much, your bone mass may drop low enough to be considered osteopenia.

About half of Americans older than age 50 get osteopenia. The more of these risk factors you have, the higher your risk is:

• being female
• a family history of low BMD
• being older than age 50
• menopause before age 45
• removal of ovaries before menopause
• not getting enough exercise
• a diet lacking calcium and vitamin D
• smoking or using other forms of tobacco
• drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• taking prednisone or phenytoin

Certain other conditions can also increase your risk of developing osteopenia:

• anorexia
• bulimia
• Cushing’s syndrome
• hyperparathyroidism
• hyperthyroidism
• inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn’s

Who should be tested for osteopenia?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that you have your BMD tested if you’re:

• a woman age 65 or older
• younger than 65, postmenopausal, and have one or more risk factors
• postmenopausal and you’ve broken a bone from a normal activity, like pushing a chair to stand up or vacuuming

Your doctor may recommend that you have your BMD tested for other reasons. For instance, about one in three white and Asian men older than age 50 have low bone density.

DEXA test

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, called DEXA or DXA, is the most common way to measure BMD. It’s also known as a bone mineral density test. It uses X-rays that have lower radiation than a typical X-ray. The test is painless.

DEXA usually measures bone density levels in your spine, hip, wrist, finger, shin, or heel. DEXA compares the density of your bone to the density of a 30-year-old’s of the same sex and race. The result of a DEXA is a T-score, which your doctor can use to diagnose you.

If your T-score shows you have osteopenia, your DEXA report may include your FRAX score. If it doesn’t, your doctor can calculate it.

The FRAX tool uses your bone density and other risk factors to estimate your risk of breaking your hip, spine, forearm, or shoulder within the next 10 years.

Your doctor may also use your FRAX score to help make decisions about treatment for osteopenia.

The goal of treatment is to keep osteopenia from progressing into osteoporosis.

The first part of treatment involves diet and exercise choices. The risk of breaking a bone when you have osteopenia is fairly small, so doctors don’t usually prescribe medicine unless your BMD is close to the osteoporosis level.

Your healthcare professional might talk to you about taking a calcium or vitamin D supplement, although generally it’s better to get enough of each from your diet.

To get enough calcium and vitamin D, eat dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Some types of orange juice, breads, and cereals are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Other foods with calcium include:

• dried beans
• broccoli
• wild freshwater salmon
• spinach

The goal for people with osteoporosis is 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D. However, it isn’t clear whether this is the same for osteopenia.

Walking, jumping, or running at least 30 minutes on most days will strengthen your bones if you have osteopenia, are a young adult, or are a premenopausal female.

These are all examples of weight-bearing exercises, which means you do them with your feet touching the ground. While swimming and biking may help your heart and build muscles, they don’t build bones.

Even small increases in BMD can significantly reduce your risk for fractures later in life.

However, as you get older, it becomes harder for you to build bone. With age, your exercise should emphasize muscle strengthening and balance as well.

Walking is still great, but now swimming and biking count, too. These exercises can help reduce your chances of falling.

Talk with your doctor about the best and safest exercises for you.

In addition to walking or other exercise, try these strengthening exercises:

Hip abductors

Hip abductors strengthen your hips and improve balance. Do this 2 to 3 times a week.

1. Stand tall with your right side facing a chair, holding onto the back of the chair with right hand.
2. Put left hand on top of your pelvis and raise left leg to the side, keeping it straight.
3. Keep toe pointed forward. Don’t raise so high that your pelvis rises.
4. Lower leg. Repeat 10 times.
5. Change sides and do the same exercise 10 times with your right leg.

Toe and heel raises

Toe raises and heel raises strengthen lower legs and improve balance. Do them each day. Wear shoes for this exercise if you have pain in your feet.

1. Stand tall facing the back of a chair. Lightly hold onto it with one or both hands to stay balanced. Work up to being able to stay balanced using just one hand or a few fingers.
2. Keep heels on ground and lift toes off floor. Keep standing straight with knees straight.
3. Hold for 5 seconds. Then lower toes.
4. Now rise up on toes and hold for 5 seconds.
5. Slowly lower heels back to the floor and repeat 10 times.

Prone leg lifts

Prone leg lifts strengthen your lower back and buttocks and stretch the front of your thighs. Do this exercise 2 to 3 times a week.

1. Lie on your stomach on a mat on the floor or on a firm bed, with a pillow underneath abdomen.
2. Rest head on arms, or put a rolled-up towel under forehead. You can also put a rolled towel under each shoulder and under your feet if you like.
3. Take a deep breath, gently press your pelvis against the pillow, and squeeze your buttocks.
4. Slowly raise one thigh off the floor, with knee slightly bent. Hold for a count of 2, keeping foot relaxed.
5. Lower thigh and hip back to ground.
6. Repeat 10 times, then do 10 with the other leg.

The best way to prevent osteopenia is to avoid the behaviors that cause it. If you already smoke or drink a lot of alcohol or caffeine, stop — especially if you’re younger than age 35, when you can still build bone.

If you’re older than age 65, your doctor will likely suggest a DEXA scan at least once to look for bone loss.

People of all ages can help their bones stay strong by maintaining a healthy diet, making sure they get enough calcium and vitamin D. In addition to food, another way to get vitamin D is with a small amount of sun exposure. Talk with your doctor about safe sun exposure based on your other health conditions.

Q:

Can osteopenia be reversed?

anonymous

A:

Osteopenia can be stabilized and even improved. Your goal is to identify the risk factors and change the ones you can. For instance, stopping smoking, minimizing steroid dosages, or effectively controlling inflammation associated with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Diet and exercise can improve bone density.

Nancy Carteron, MD, FACRAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

what is it and how to treat it?

Contents

• 1 Osteopenia: symptoms, causes and treatment
  • 1.1 Understanding osteopenia
  • 1.2 Symptoms of osteopenia
  • 1.3 Causes of osteopenia
  • 1. 4 Who is at risk of developing osteopenia?
  • 1. 5 How to diagnose osteopenia
  • 1.6 Prevention of osteopenia
    • 1.6.1 Proper nutrition
    • 1.6.2 Physical activity
    • 1.6.3 Avoiding bad habits
    • 1.6.4 Regular medical check-ups
    • 1.6.5 Taking medications
    • 1.6.6 Correct daily routine
  • 1.7 Drug treatment of osteopenia
  • 1.8 Dietary treatment of osteo singing
    • 1.8.1 Proper nutrition for strong bones
    • 1.8 .2 Diet recommendations
  • 1.9 Physical activity for osteopenia
  • 1.10 Physiotherapy for osteopenia
  • 1.11 Regular medical examinations: a need to prevent osteopenia
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is osteopenia?
      • 1.13.0.2 What causes osteopenia?
      • 1.13.0.3 How can osteopenia be diagnosed?
      • 1.13.0.4 How can osteopenia be treated?
      • 1.13.0.5 Can osteopenia be avoided?
      • 1.13.0.6 What if I already have osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a change in bone tissue that often occurs in women over 50 years of age. In this article, we tell you how to diagnose and treat osteopenia: from proper nutrition and exercise to medication.

Osteopenia is a condition of the skeletal system characterized by reduced bone density and deterioration of its structure. This makes the bones more fragile and vulnerable to damage, which increases the risk of fractures. Anyone can develop osteopenia, but it most commonly affects postmenopausal women and the elderly.

The causes of osteopenia can be different – this is insufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, metabolic disorders, hormonal changes, etc. Symptoms of osteopenia do not appear immediately, but may appear only after a few years. It can be pain in the bones, constant fatigue, curvature of the spine, etc.

Osteopenia requires mandatory treatment, which includes measures to increase bone density, restore its structure and reduce the risk of fractures. There are many methods of treatment, such as the use of drugs, exercise, proper diet and strengthening of muscle mass.

A significant slowdown of osteopenic changes, even their regression, is possible in case of timely diagnosis and complex treatment.

Prevention of osteopenia includes timely diagnosis and follow-up examinations. One of the main conditions for the prevention of osteopenia is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, regular exercise and the rejection of bad habits.

The concept of osteopenia

Osteopenia is a disease in which bone density decreases. This may be due to the natural aging of the body, certain medical conditions, or poor lifestyle habits. The definition of osteopenia is that bone mass is reduced by 10% or more compared to what is recognized as normal in the laboratory.

Fortunately, osteopenia can be prevented and treated. Increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D can help improve bone health. There are also specific medications that can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. To determine the need for treatment, you should consult a doctor and conduct additional diagnostic studies.

Symptoms of osteopenia

Osteopenia is a disease that is often asymptomatic at the very beginning. However, over time, patients may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in bones and muscles . Bones become more fragile and brittle, which can cause sharp pain in the upper or lower body.
• Growth reduction . For many people, osteopenia begins with the fact that they simply begin to bend over and lose a few centimeters of height. This is due to changes in the spine.
• Changes in posture . People suffering from osteopenia often change their posture: they begin to lean forward and bring their legs together. This is due to bone loss in the spine and upper pelvis.

Let’s add that the main symptom that occurs with osteopenia is an increased risk of fractures. A fall or minor injury can result in serious injury or even fracture. At the first signs of the disease, you should consult a doctor.

Causes of osteopenia

Osteopenia is a condition in which bone density is reduced, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures and other complications.

Also, hormonal disorders such as lack of estrogen during menopause in women and low testosterone levels in men may also play a role in the development of osteopenia. Thyroid disorders and certain medications can also lead to osteopenia.

The risk of developing osteopenia is increased in people over 50 years of age, in women after menopause, in people with a low level of physical activity, and in smokers and drinkers.

To prevent and reduce the risk of osteopenia, include calcium and vitamin D in your diet, drink in moderation, stop smoking, stay active, and have your bone density checked regularly.

Who is at risk of developing osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a disease associated with a decrease in bone density. This disease can occur in people of any age, gender and ethnicity.

However, there are groups of people who are particularly at risk of developing osteopenia:

• Post-menopausal women as a decrease in estrogen levels in the body leads to a loss of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones;
• Older people as bones lose their density and become more fragile with age;
• People who have low levels of calcium in the body because calcium is essential for bone growth and development;
• People who lead a sedentary lifestyle because physical activity on the bones helps to strengthen them;
• People with thyroid disease because the thyroid gland plays an important role in calcium metabolism in the body.

Remember that early diagnosis and treatment of osteopenia can help keep bones healthy and prevent complications.

How to diagnose osteopenia

Osteopenia is a disease that can only be detected through a special examination and diagnosis. In order to find out if you have this disease, you need to go through a series of medical procedures.

Densitometry (DXA) is used for the most accurate diagnosis of osteopenia. This is a special test that measures bone density. This method helps to establish how much bone density has decreased and what percentage of bone mass has been lost.

In addition, other methods can be used to diagnose osteopenia: special blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound examination of bones, and others. The choice of method depends on age, gender, the presence of other diseases and other factors.

• Osteopenia is a disease that requires special diagnostics.
• X-ray allows you to detect indirect signs of osteopenia.
• Densitometry is a diagnostic method that helps to determine bone density.
• Blood tests, MRI, ultrasound and other methods can also be used to diagnose osteopenia.

Prevention of osteopenia

Proper nutrition

To prevent osteopenia, it is very important to improve your diet. Eat foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients. These include dairy products, fish, nuts, green vegetables and fruits. Reduce the amount of animal fats, consume less salt and sugar.

Physical activity

Sports help strengthen bones and prevent bone loss. We advise you to actively engage in physical exercise, such as running, walking, dancing, swimming. It is best to engage in various types of physical activity to diversify your workouts.

Giving up bad habits

Nicotine and alcohol, in large quantities, can lead to osteopenia. We advise you to stop smoking and reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Regular health checks

It is very important to have regular health checks to measure your bone density and track changes. This will allow you to choose the necessary treatment and prevention measures as soon as possible.

Medications

If you have osteopenia, your doctor may prescribe medications to increase bone density and strengthen bone structure. Follow your doctor’s advice and take the recommended dose.

Correct daily routine

Normal sleep, regular routine and general health care are also effective ways to prevent osteopenia. Follow a regular regime and do not overload your body with physical activity or stress.

Drug treatment of osteopenia

Osteopenia is a pathological condition of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone density. Various methods are used to treat osteopenia, including drug therapy.

Bisphosphonates is one of the most common drug groups used to treat osteopenia. They reduce the breakdown of bone tissue, increase its density and reduce the risk of fractures. The drugs can be taken as tablets or injections. When using bisphosphonates, it is important to monitor nutrition and fluid intake, as well as not to abuse alcohol.

Teriparatide is a parathyroid hormone analogue. It increases bone density and reduces the risk of fractures. The drug is administered intramuscularly and is prescribed only by a doctor in strict accordance with the indications and contraindications.

Selective modulatory hormone inhibitors (SIMI) are a group of drugs that block the action of hormones responsible for bone breakdown. They reduce the risk of fractures and increase bone density. SIMG are prescribed only by a doctor in accordance with the indications.

All of the above osteopenia drugs have side effects. Therefore, before using the medicine, it is necessary to consult a doctor and make all the necessary examinations.

Dietary treatment of osteopenia

Proper nutrition for strong bones

Diet is a decisive factor in the treatment of osteopenia. The diet should be rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and other nutrients that promote bone growth and strengthening.

It is important to control the level of phosphorus in the body, which can have a negative effect on the absorption of calcium. Fish, meat, cheese, ice cream, and cola are phosphate-rich foods that should be eaten in moderation.

Diet advice

• Eat more dairy products such as milk, yogurt and hard cheese.
• Include fish and seafood in your diet.
• Eat more green vegetables and fruits.
• Limit your intake of foods rich in phosphorus.
• Avoid empty calories from sugary foods and alcohol.

Regular consumption of a balanced diet rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D will help reduce the risk of osteopenia and strengthen bones.

Physical activity in osteopenia

Physical exercise is of great importance in the treatment of osteopenia. They improve blood circulation, increase muscle mass and strengthen bones.

However, it is necessary to take into account the severity of the disease and the age of the patient. The best thing to do is to choose a doctor, taking into account all factors.

For osteopenia, exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility are recommended. It can be exercises on simulators, yoga, Pilates, walking in the fresh air and dancing.

It is also important not to overwork or do exercises that can lead to injury. At the first sign of pain, it is necessary to reduce the load and consult a doctor.

Physical activity should become a regular and permanent part of the life of a patient with osteopenia. This will help strengthen the bones and make them more resistant to damage.

• Remember that exercise is an important part of the treatment of osteopenia.
• The doctor should choose the best classes, taking into account the severity of the disease and the age of the patient.
• Exercise machines, yoga, Pilates, outdoor walking and dancing are recommended.
• But it is necessary not to overwork or perform exercises that can lead to injury.

Physical exercise will help not only strengthen bones, but also improve mood, increase self-esteem and self-confidence. Don’t put off classes for later, take care of your health today!

Physiotherapy for the treatment of osteopenia

One of the most important treatments for osteopenia is physiotherapy. This is a set of special exercises aimed at strengthening bone tissue and improving blood flow in the bones.

Many physical therapy exercises for osteopenia are aimed at strengthening muscles and improving coordination. Important elements of physiotherapy are exercises with a barbell, dumbbells and special bands.

In addition, general physical therapy such as electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy are also effective treatments for osteopenia. They help improve blood flow to the bones and reduce inflammation in the bone marrow.

There are many exercises and physical therapies that can help treat osteopenia. It is important to consult with your doctor and choose the most suitable methods and exercises for your case.

Regular medical check-ups: a must to prevent osteopenia

Osteopenia is a disease characterized by loss of bone mass and reduced bone density. It often does not show obvious symptoms, but it can lead to serious consequences, such as broken bones.

Regular medical examinations are very important to prevent osteopenia. A qualified doctor will be able to analyze the condition of the bone tissue and identify unhealthy changes, redirecting the patient to treatment.

• The main examination method for diagnosing osteopenia is bone densitometry. It allows you to determine the level of bone density and identify the presence of violations in this indicator
• Other methods of examination, such as a blood test for calcium and vitamin D levels, can help determine the risk of osteopenia

It is recommended to conduct examinations according to your age category:

1. For women over 65 and men over 70 – at least once every 1-2 years
2. For women under 65 years of age who are at increased risk, for example, after long-term use of glucocorticosteroids – every 2-3 years
3. For men under 70 years of age with an increased risk – once every 2-3 years medical examinations can help identify the risk of developing osteopenia and begin treatment, and they can prevent its development. It’s never too late to start taking care of your health and take care of your bones!

   Related videos:

   Q&A:

   What is osteopenia?

   Osteopenia is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and a decrease in minerals such as calcium. It is often referred to as “weakening the bones”. Osteopenia can lead to an increased risk of fractures, especially in older people.

   What causes osteopenia?

   Osteopenia can be caused by many factors, including dietary calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal changes, certain medications, and genetic factors. Most people with osteopenia do not notice any symptoms of their condition until a bone fracture occurs.

   How can osteopenia be diagnosed?

   Osteopenia can be detected with a bone density test. This test allows you to determine how dense the bone tissue is, and based on this information, determine the presence or absence of osteopenia. A bone density test is recommended for post-menopausal women and men over 70 years of age.

   How can osteopenia be treated?

   Treatment of osteopenia depends on its cause. In most cases, this includes increasing the amount of calcium and vitamin D in the diet, as well as lifestyle changes. It is recommended to engage in physical exercises that strengthen bones, such as walking, running, heavy exercises with dumbbells. If osteopenia progresses and there is a risk of fractures, medical therapy may be required.

   Can osteopenia be avoided?

   You can avoid osteopenia if you provide your body with enough calcium and vitamin D from childhood. It is also necessary to lead an active lifestyle, include more fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. It is also recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these two factors can lead to weakening of the bone tissue.

   What if I already have osteopenia?

   If you already have osteopenia, you should consult your doctor to determine the best treatment. It is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor and not delay the start of treatment. You need to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D and change your lifestyle to include exercise that strengthens your bones.

   Brittle bone disease or feline nutritional hyperparathyroidism

   A balanced diet is one of the most important components that ensure the healthy and full development of any organism. And I’m sure everyone knows about it. But, often, when acquiring a charming furry friend for themselves, the newly minted owners do not attach due importance to this fact or do not have sufficient knowledge to make a complete diet.

   Consider this situation: The kitten is healthy, cheerful and playful, has an excellent appetite and joyfully absorbs everything that loving owners offer him (meat, fish, liver, sometimes milk, cereals, etc. ) Products are natural, high-quality, always only fresh . It would seem that there is something wrong? But, as time passes, it becomes noticeable that the outwardly healthy kitten begins to play less and less, its movements become cautious, the previously friendly lump suddenly begins to hide in the corners, hiss and meow furiously when trying to stroke it. Sometimes you can notice a lag in growth. Unsteadiness of gait, lameness, and in some cases, deformity, paresis and / or paralysis of the limbs appear, which leads frightened and perplexed owners to the veterinary clinic. And now the doctor makes a diagnosis: Alimentary (secondary) hyperparathyroidism or Brittle bone disease. So what happened? Let’s try to figure it out.

   REASONS

   I will say right away that the problem is in an incorrectly composed diet (this is why the disease is called alimentary, i.e. food related to nutrition). A diet based on meat contains a significant amount of phosphorus, but is extremely poor in calcium. So, for example, in the liver or hearts, the Ca:P ratio is 1:50, and, for full development, the ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the kitten’s diet should be approximately 1:1. This is where our problem comes from.

   PATHOGENESIS

   A low level of calcium in the diet leads to a decrease in the level of calcium in the blood of the animal, and this, in turn, leads to increased production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid gland. Under the action of this hormone, an increased excretion of calcium from the natural depot (i.e., skeletal bones) begins and it is transferred to the bloodstream to maintain normal blood composition. In this case, the rate of bone destruction is higher than the rate of formation of new bone tissue. The bones become thinner, weak and brittle. An excess of phosphorus in the diet exacerbates the problem even more, because. interferes with the normal absorption of calcium in the intestine.

   PREDISPOSITION

   The disease most often affects young kittens of Siamese, Scottish, British breeds, as well as sphinxes. Cats of any breed and outbred animals can get sick if their diet consists mainly of meat. Sometimes secondary hyperparathyroidism can occur in adults, because. many cats have an individual ability to absorb and retain calcium when it is low in the diet. Some concomitant conditions also contribute to the development of the disease: thyroid diseases, chronic renal failure, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthiasis.

   SYMPTOMS

   The most common signs of the disease are:

   • lethargy
   • lameness
   • severe musculoskeletal pain
   • pathological and spontaneous fractures
   • deformity of the bones of the limbs, chest and spine
   • neurological problems (convulsions, paresis, paralysis, etc.)
   • bloating and constipation
   • incontinence or retention of urine
   • violation of growth and change of teeth
   • stunting

   DIAGNOSIS

   The diagnosis is made on the basis of history (eating mainly meat, baby food and homemade products), clinical examination data (presence to some extent of the above symptoms) and radiographic examination.

   On the radiograph of sick animals, there is a pronounced decrease in bone density, thinning of the periosteum, pathological (often “folded”) fractures. In more advanced cases, deformation (of varying degrees) of the bones of the spine, pelvis, chest and limbs is observed.

   The results of laboratory diagnostics for the content of calcium and phosphorus in the blood are usually within the normal range (except in extremely severe cases).

   TREATMENT:

   1. The main point is the speedy normalization of the animal’s diet.
      The most convenient and effective way is to transfer a kitten to an industrial complete food of super-premium or premium class, which will provide the level of calcium, phosphorus, as well as trace elements and vitamins necessary for this type and age of the animal. As an alternative, if it is impossible to transfer to industrial feed, diets specially prepared by a dietitian with the addition of calcium-phosphorus supplements, vitamins, etc. can be used.
   2. Restriction of the animal’s mobility for a period of 1 to 2 months.
      To do this, the kitten is placed in a cramped cage, carrier or box. This is necessary to prevent possible and / or the most physiological fusion of existing bone injuries, as well as to reduce pain during movement.
   3. If necessary, the initial period of treatment may require the use of painkillers and calcium supplements. Animals with difficulty defecation are prescribed laxatives, with bloating of the intestine – carminative drugs. In the presence of neurological disorders, specific therapy is prescribed. With significant deformities of the bones of the limbs, sternum, pelvis and / or spine, surgical treatment is indicated in some cases.
      The prognosis of the disease in the early stages is quite favorable. With timely correction of the diet and concomitant symptomatic therapy, animals recover quite quickly (in 3-4 weeks). When treated at later stages, treatment can take from 2 to 6 months.