Osteoporosis. The first signs of the disease. Who should I contact for advice?

Causes of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops gradually. This is a chronic and progressive disease. Degradation of bone tissue is associated with a violation of the metabolism of its mineral components - calcium, magnesium, fluorine. These disorders are usually age-related: after 35 years, the calcium content in bone tissue gradually begins to decrease. Metabolic processes are regulated by hormones, so the hormonal changes that occur with the decline of reproductive function also affect here: during menopause, the rate of calcium loss increases significantly. As a result, osteoporosis is largely a female disease. It is believed that every third woman aged 60-70 years suffers from osteoporosis, and after 80 years, osteoporosis is detected in two out of three women.

Osteoporosis is less common in men. The likelihood of developing it also increases with age. But the disease can be detected at a young age and even in children.

Factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis

First of all, we can identify a group of factors that are determined by the genetic and individual characteristics of a person and do not depend on his actions. This:

• genetic predisposition. It manifests itself through family history: if close relatives (mother, father, brother-sister) have osteoporosis or an increased tendency to fractures due to minor injuries, then osteoporosis is very likely.
• female;
• short stature, fragile physique (“narrow bones”), low body weight;
• menopause, including premature cessation of menstruation.

Another group of factors depends on a person’s lifestyle. Therefore, the influence of these factors can be eliminated:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• insufficient intake of calcium from food. The average calcium intake should not be less than 1000 mg per day;
• poor nutrition – excessive protein consumption leads to loss of calcium from bone tissue, and excess fat and dietary fiber interferes with the absorption of calcium in the intestines;
• vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin comes from food, but it is also produced by the body itself - under the influence of sunlight. Insufficient sun exposure can cause sun deficiency;
• smoking. Nicotine promotes the removal of calcium from the body (calciuria): 1 pack of cigarettes per day throughout life leads to a loss of 5 to 10% of bone mass;
• alcohol abuse;
• excessive coffee consumption.

It should also be taken into account that the risk of developing osteoporosis increases as a result of:

• a large number of pregnancies (more than three);
• long-term breastfeeding (more than 6-8 months);
• gynecological diseases (menstrual irregularities, infertility, removal of the ovaries before the natural onset of menopause);
• some endocrinological diseases;
• long-term use of certain medications;
• prolonged immobilization (for example, when treating injuries).

How to get rid of pain from osteoporosis

Provoking factors that cause pain may be different. Their appearance can be provoked by fractures, osteoarthritis, and degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.

Emergency care for acute pain

In this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers that have a peripheral effect. They are more effective than painkillers that have a central effect.

Drugs with peripheral action:

• Paracetamol;
• Aspirin;
• Metamizole.

You can also get rid of severe pain with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Painkillers must be taken in short courses, as they negatively affect the condition of the gastric mucosa. At the same time, doctors recommend taking Omeprazole or Ezolong to protect the stomach from the aggressive effects of drugs.

With a recent fracture

If a fracture occurs, which is accompanied by severe pain, doctors must prescribe analgesics that belong to the opioid group. These drugs include Tramadol. You cannot use such drugs on your own. Their appropriateness is determined by the doctor after a preliminary examination and consultation. These medications should also be taken in parallel with taking Omeprazole, Omez, Nolpaza or Ezolong.

These medications must be used with caution because they may have side effects such as dizziness, which can lead to the risk of further falls and injuries. In some cases, doctors prescribe the drug Pregabalin. It relieves pain and relieves muscle tension, eliminates tension in nerve endings.

To eliminate the consequences of fractures and strengthen the spine, special drugs are injected subcutaneously that will strengthen bone tissue.

Chronic pain and long term outlook

When it has been possible to relieve severe pain, further efforts should be aimed at strengthening the muscle corset. For this purpose, physiotherapeutic procedures are used; a person needs to perform special gymnastic exercises.

In each specific case, the doctor develops an individual treatment regimen, and therapy methods are selected individually for each patient. To evenly distribute the load on the musculoskeletal system, it is recommended to engage in feasible sports - swimming, yoga, fitness, aerobics, Pilates. This way the muscular system will be strengthened.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an insidious disease in its own way. It begins to develop without obvious symptoms. In most cases, osteoporosis is diagnosed only during examination of a fracture.

A fracture in osteoporosis is a complication indicating significant destruction of bone tissue. Let's say a person stumbles and falls. With healthy bone tissue, a fracture due to a simple fall is unlikely. With osteoporosis, any fall or injury can lead to a fracture. The most vulnerable are the femoral neck, arm bones, wrist, and spine. A vertebral fracture in osteoporosis can occur simply from heavy lifting or bumpy driving.

Until a fracture has occurred, the manifestations of osteoporosis are usually interpreted as symptoms of osteochondrosis, especially since osteochondrosis is its usual companion. These symptoms are often ignored, which should not be done.

Osteoporosis may be indicated by:

Back pain

Osteoporosis can manifest itself as pain in the lumbar or thoracic spine during prolonged static load (for example, if you have to sit all day long).

Convulsions

With osteoporosis, leg cramps may occur at night.

More about the symptom

Slouch

With osteoporosis, stooping and decreased height are observed due to a decrease in the height of the vertebrae.

Parodontosis

The consequence of osteoporosis can be periodontal disease - a non-inflammatory lesion of the periodontium (periodontal tissue).

How to avoid fractures with osteoporosis

The most dangerous in this disease are fractures of the femoral neck and spine, since their treatment requires prolonged immobilization of the patient. To reduce the likelihood of fractures, it is recommended to educate patients on fall prevention:

• properly organize space in the house;
• perform vision correction on time;
• treat cerebral disorders, polyneuropathy;
• treat orthostatic hypotension and arterial hypertension;
• limit the use of sedatives or consult a doctor about more gentle medications;
• minimize the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• limit heavy lifting;
• use special devices for more comfortable movement;
• perform therapeutic exercises regularly;
• train the vestibular apparatus.

Methods for diagnosing osteoporosis

Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on data from laboratory and instrumental studies.

Instrumental diagnosis of osteoporosis is carried out using radiography or densitometry. The most revealing instrumental study is densitometry, since bone loss of less than 25-30% is not visible on radiographs, which prevents the detection of osteoporosis in the early stages.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory diagnostics includes:

Blood test from a vein

. The main analyzed indicators: hormones (calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, etc.), mineral components (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), vitamin D, markers of bone tissue formation (osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase), markers of resorption - degradation, “resorption” of bone tissue (beta -CrossLaps).

Blood must be donated on an empty stomach (the last meal should be at least 12 hours before the test). The day before taking blood, it is necessary to avoid alcohol and physical activity. It should be borne in mind that some foods (milk, seaweed, coffee, beans, nuts), as well as dietary supplements (dietary supplements) can lead to increased levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Immediately before the test, the patient should be completely at rest for 30 minutes.

Urine test for deoxypyridinoline (DPID).

DPID is a marker of bone tissue resorption (destruction).

The necessary laboratory tests are combined into the “Diagnostics of Osteoporosis” profile.

Densitometry

Densitometry is a diagnostic procedure that provides a quantitative assessment of bone mass and bone mineral density. Densitometry is performed using a densitometer - a special scanner. The procedure is completely painless, X-ray exposure is minimal. The time spent on the procedure is 10 minutes. No special preparation is required for the study.

More information about the diagnostic method

Sign up for diagnostics To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, the insidiousness of this disease lies in its long asymptomatic course. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and most patients consult a doctor only when the consequences are irreversible.

Most often, the pathology causes bone fragility, when an ankle fracture is possible even with minor loads. This can be caused by poor foot placement during movement, landing in a jump, or making sudden movements.

The characteristic symptoms of osteoporosis of the legs appear in accordance with the progression of the disease:

1. Initially, pain may only occur when walking up stairs. However, as the disease develops, it manifests itself even at rest.
2. Pain is present when pressing on the affected bone.
3. Starting from the third stage, swelling and redness occur.
4. Over time, the pain becomes so severe that the patient is limited in movement, and his gait changes.
5. Against the background of osteoporosis of the foot, general signs of deterioration of the patient’s condition are possible, such as sleep disorders, stooping, fatigue, weakness and decreased ability to work.

If the disease becomes systemic, it will radically affect the condition of the nails and hair.

Why is osteoporosis of the foot dangerous?

If this disease is not detected and treated in a timely manner, a number of negative consequences are possible:

• a significant decrease in performance, up to disability;
• Frequent bone fractures not only interfere with normal movement, but can also cause dysfunction of nerve endings and blood vessels;
• development of compensatory gait and corresponding bone deformation;
• due to a deficiency of nutrients in the body, internal organs suffer, in particular the cardiovascular system;
• severe pain due to osteoporosis in the legs limits physical activity.

Prevention

Competent prevention will help to avoid osteoporosis and its complications. Doctors strongly advise patients to pay attention to the following recommendations:

1. To live an active lifestyle.
2. Give yourself regular, feasible physical activity on your body.
3. Stick to a proper, balanced diet.
4. Use calcium-containing preparations and vitamins D during menopause and after 60 years.
5. Monitor your weight and fight extra pounds.
6. Treat systemic diseases in a timely manner.
7. Regularly undergo general preventive medical examinations.
8. Take walks outdoors on sunny days.
9. The use of any medications (especially hormones and antibiotics) should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor in strictly recommended doses.
10. To refuse from bad habits.

Osteoporosis of the foot is a rather insidious disease that can be asymptomatic for a long time, and subsequently difficult to treat, reduces the patient’s quality of life and can even cause disability. However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the overall medical prognosis is quite favorable. A healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition allow you to forget about the problems associated with osteoporosis for a long time.

Treatment

Proper nutrition in combination with medications has a positive effect on the treatment of osteoporosis

To obtain positive results, an integrated approach to the treatment of osteoporosis of the foot is necessary. In modern medicine, many techniques are used for this.

Drug therapy

Involves the prescription of bisphosphonates, vitamin complexes, chondroprotectors and calcium supplements.

Physiotherapy

To reduce the rate of development of osteoporosis of the ankle joint, a special set of exercises has been developed. It is selected by the attending physician depending on the stage of the patient’s disease.

Nutrition adjustments

To enrich the patient’s body with phosphorus, calcium and proteins, he is prescribed a special diet. In this case, you will have to give up pickles and fatty foods for a while, since they disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and calcium is washed out of the body.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

These techniques are designed to alleviate the patient’s condition and are used in combination with other types of therapy. We are talking about UHF, therapeutic baths, laser therapy, mud therapy, massage. In this case, manual massage is not used due to its aggressiveness and risk of injury to weakened bones.

Folk remedies

Used to enhance the effectiveness of essential medications. The most effective are dandelion tea, onion infusion, eggshells, etc.

Surgical intervention

If conservative therapy fails, the patient undergoes joint replacement surgery.

Given the symptoms, treatment for osteoporosis of the foot should primarily be aimed at eliminating the underlying causes of the disease. Otherwise, the therapy will not give the expected results.

Symptoms and stages of the disease

Symptoms of pathology make themselves felt only at advanced stages of development

The main danger of this disease is its unnoticed development over a long period of time. Most patients do not even suspect that they are sick, turning to a specialist when the disease is at an advanced stage.

Spotted osteoporosis can be treated with conservative methods in the first and second stages of its development. However, during this period the disease cannot be recognized even on x-rays. Therefore, even accidental detection of the disease at the initial stages of its development is almost completely excluded.

There are 4 stages of macular osteoporosis:

1. At the first stage, the disease does not have any symptoms. There are minor changes in the bone structure that cannot be detected by modern research methods.
2. In the second stage, mild discomfort may occur. X-rays often do not show changes in bone structure. Usually, when osteoporosis is suspected, more accurate methods are used, in particular densitometry.
3. In the third stage, the patient experiences significant pain that hinders his movements. It can be present not only during movement, but also at rest. Osteoporosis at the third stage is recorded on an x-ray.
4. The fourth stage is associated with disability. The patient experiences visual changes in the bone structure: poor posture, decreased height. The pain can become unbearable.

The main symptoms of patchy bone osteoporosis are:

• aching bone pain;
• fragility of nails;
• high degree of fatigue;
• convulsions at night.
• slouch.