Osteoporosis Essay

a) What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition, which advances with age, resulting in fragile, weak bones due to a decrease in bone mass. Externally osteoporotic bone is shaped like normal bone, however it’s internal appearance differs. Internally the bone becomes porous due to a loss in essential minerals, including phosphate and calcium. The minerals are loss more quickly than they can be replaced and in turn cause the bones to become less dense and weak. The bones become prone to fracture, due to their weakness. Therefore the awareness of the disease tends to occur after a fracture has been sustained. The bones most commonly affected are the ribs, wrist, pelvis and the vertebrae.

b) What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects the hands, spine and the ankles and hips. It is known to be associated with aging, and is concerned with the cartilage that protects the joints (the meeting place of two bones). Normal cartilage allows for bones to slide over each other uniformly, acting as a shock absorber to any damage. However cartilage in osteoarthritis, located at the ends of the bones erodes and deteriorates, causing friction and hence pain, swelling and restricted movement. Therefore in osteoarthritic both the composition and appearance of the cartilage alters, while the body attempts to repair this damaged cartilage is broken down faster than it can be built up. A defective repair process can cause bone overgrowth, bone spur/osteocytes to form which can be seen at the ends of the joints. In osteoarthritis the bones come in close contact with each other, and wear away leaving the bone exposed and unprotected.

Question 2:

a) What are the signs or symptoms of ost...

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...e: stimulates the growth of bones.

→ Exercise:

• Strengthens and maintains bones. Exercises specific to balance and weight bearing are particularly beneficial.

→ Diet:

• Consuming the recommended calcium intake everyday- differs between ages but on average is approximately 1000 milligrams.

• Stop smoking- by doing so it automatically cancels out one risk factor.

• Lowering alcohol consumption.

→ Surgery to Prevent Pain From Fractures:

• Kyphoplasty- procedure where a balloon is inserted into the vertebrae and covered by cement, it elevates the fracture.

• Spinal Fusion- forms permanent joins between two or more of the bones.

• Cortisone Shots- to relieve pain.

→ Therapy:

• Physiotherapist sessions will assist in strengthening muscles around the joints.

• Occupational therapists will investigate ways to prevent stress from being applied onto your joints.