Osteopenia is a condition characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD). It is often a result of excessive loss of bone density after the person has reached its peak BMD.
We all reach our maximum bone density by the age of 30-35 and after that, the body starts to slowly lose that. Now, if timely diagnosis of the condition is not done, it could develop into osteoporosis. Sometimes, bones become too weak that fracture is on the cards anytime. Fractures may also require Ortho Implants to realign and stabilize the bones but such a situation only arrives when osteopenia gets transformed into osteoporosis and still proper diagnosis and treatment are not done.
In this post, we will talk about osteopenia in detail along with its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What Are the Causes of Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is not known to have traumatic causes as it is a condition that occurs due to non-traumatic reasons. One of the troublesome facts about the condition is that it does not show symptoms, and that’s where the problems arise when it comes to the timely diagnosis of the condition.
The most common cause of osteopenia is a significantly higher loss of bone mineral density than normal. There are certain conditions that contribute to high BMD loss, and they may include:
- Aging
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Menopause
- A family history of low bone mineral density
- Consumption of medicines like prednisone or phenytoin
- Ovaries removal before menopause
- Hyperthyroidism
The above-mentioned are some of the common causes of osteopenia. People suffering from these conditions are likely to lose bone mineral density faster than normal healthy people.
What Are the Symptoms?
As we’ve also discussed above osteopenia generally doesn’t show any symptoms, and this is the biggest drawback when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. In rare cases, weakness and bone pain may be experienced by some people. Only BMD screening can detect this condition if no symptoms are there.
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
In other cases, symptoms make it easier for the healthcare service provider to start the diagnosis but, in the case of osteopenia, things are a bit different. Here, the healthcare service provider asks about the family’s medical history especially, osteoporosis. Besides this, a physical examination is also done to notice any signs indicating osteopenia. At last, a bone density test is performed for confirmation.
How Are Osteopenic Bones Treated?
Just like osteoporosis, osteopenia also has no cure but the condition can be managed or prevented with simple remedies. The goal of the treatment is to prevent excessive loss of bone mineral density and for that, the first and foremost thing one needs to do is change bad lifestyle habits. Maintaining an active lifestyle should be the first step when it comes to preventing osteopenia.
During the treatment, the healthcare service provider suggests exercises to improve bone strength and ensure the production of new bone cells. Besides this, certain things that one needs to follow include:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid/reduce intake of alcoholic and carbonated drinks
- Consumption of foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients required for bone health
- Consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed
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