Osteoporosis Treatment: Best Strategies to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Effective management combines lifestyle modifications with medical treatments to enhance bone density and reduce fracture risk.
Lifestyle Modifications
Nutrition: Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health. While these nutrients can be obtained through diet, supplements may be necessary for individuals with deficiencies or increased needs. Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, but simultaneous intake isn't required. It's crucial to consult with healthcare providers to determine appropriate supplementation and avoid excessive calcium intake, which can lead to health issues.
Exercise: Engaging in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises can improve bone strength and density. Regular physical activity helps maintain bone mass and reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Learn more about our 12-week StrongHer Bones exercise program HERE
Fall Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent falls is vital, as fractures often result from such incidents. This includes ensuring a safe home environment, using assistive devices if necessary, and addressing factors like poor vision or balance issues.
Medical Treatments
Several medications are available to treat osteoporosis, categorized mainly into anti-resorptive and anabolic agents.
Bisphosphonates: These are commonly prescribed to slow bone loss. They work by inhibiting the resorption of bone, thus maintaining or increasing bone density. Examples include alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid. These medications have been shown to reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures.
Denosumab: An anti-resorptive medication administered via injection every six months, denosumab helps reduce bone resorption and has been shown to decrease fracture risk.
Anabolic Agents: These stimulate bone formation. Teriparatide and abaloparatide are examples, typically reserved for individuals with severe osteoporosis or those who haven't responded to other treatments. They are administered through daily injections for a limited duration.
Romosozumab: A newer anabolic agent that both increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption. It's administered monthly for up to one year and is usually considered for patients at high risk of fracture.
Emerging Treatments
Recent advancements have introduced new medications, such as abaloparatide, which has been approved for patients who haven't responded to or cannot tolerate existing treatments. This injectable therapy offers an additional option for managing osteoporosis effectively.
Conclusion
Managing osteoporosis requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical treatments. Early intervention and adherence to prescribed therapies are crucial in reducing the risk of fractures and maintaining a good quality of life. Consulting with healthcare providers will ensure personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
For a more in-depth understanding, consider watching the following video where I interview Dr. Alexa Fiffick, a women’s health physician and owner of Concierge Medicine of Westlake.
