When we discuss the problem of osteoporosis, then we must understand this disease better. Often, this condition is associated with a disruption in the knee, and bone (osteoarthritis). In fact, this is including two different things. Really? Where is the difference?
Osteoporosis is bone loss, whereas osteoarthritis is perkapuran bone. More bone loss in conditions of normal bone density, resulting from broken bones.
Literally, the condition of abnormally porous bone that can be likened like a sponge, not solid like a brick. The disease can weaken the bones which cause an increased risk for broken bones (bone fracture).
Osteoporosis does not give symptoms, do not get sick or feel pain if the bones were broken, because it was fragile. Unlike osteoarthritis which would cause pain, especially in the knee joint.
Knee is the largest joint in the body that its use is also widely used in daily life. Knee allows us to move, sit up to run. Besides the knee also helps support the body weight.
There are several factors that determine bone strength. Bone density is the amount of bone that is present in skeletal structure. Generally, higher bone density, stronger bones.
Bone density is strongly influenced by genetic factors, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and drugs. For example, men have higher bone density than women.
Those African-Americans have higher bone density than Caucasian Americans (white) or Asian. The stronger the bone, definitely more secure than osteoporosis.
Normally, bone density accumulates during childhood and reaches its peak at around the age of 25 years. Bone density and then maintained for about ten years. After age 35, men and women normally lose 0.3% to 0.5% of their bone density per year as part of the aging process.
Thus, estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density in women. When estrogen levels fall after menopause, bone loss occurs more rapidly.
During the first five to ten years after menopause, women can suffer up to two to four percent loss of bone density every year! This can result in a loss of 25 to 30% of their bone density during that time period. Accelerated bone loss after menopause is a major cause of osteoporosis in women.
Treatment of osteoporosis is aimed to make the prevention of bone fractures by stopping bone loss, and by increasing bone density and strength. Although early detection and treatment is done on time, actually only reduces the risk of bone fractures later in life.
None of the treatments available to cure completely. Therefore, prevention of this disease is as important as treatment.
Osteoporosis treatment and prevention actions include:
1. Changing lifestyles, ie with adequate exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, provide adequate calcium intake, inadequate intake of vitamin D, limiting the use of caffeine, like coffee.
2. Consume drugs that stop bone loss and increase bone strength, such as alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), raloxifene (Evista), ibandronate (Boniva), calcitonin (Calcimar), and zoledronate (Reclast);
3. Consuming drugs that increase bone formation such as teriparatide (Forteo).
4. Be careful using certain medications such as steroids, diuretics, anticonvulsant