Dr. Aravindan feels that in India, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is made very late. This is because people find out that they have osteoporosis only after returning to the hospital with a fracture. He stresses that the disease can be managed better with an earlier diagnosis. All it would take is a simple blood test and a scan.
Understanding osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle, and due to this, the chances of a fracture increases. It is common among post-menopausal women but can affect men too.
Causes
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Calcium deficiency
- A decrease in estrogen (in post-menopausal women)
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Dexa Scan or bone densitometry
Prevention
Keeping the bone strong and healthy is essential. This means having foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D. If there is a deficiency, supplements need to be taken to ensure that optimum levels are maintained.
It is essential to be aware of osteoporosis, get a yearly bone density test done, and maintain good bone health. Once you have osteoporosis, it is difficult to manage as it can lead to multiple fractures and related complications.
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