Who should attend?
Patients:
- with existing osteoporotic fractures
- already on treatment for osteoporosis
- at high risk of deveoping osteoporosis
What do we do?
We take relevant blood tests, assess risk and monitor treatment. We refer for DEXA scanning if needed and counsel patients about reducing fracture risk through lifestyle changes.
The clinics give you an opportunity to discuss relevant test results, as well as gain information about diet, lifestyle and drugs plus lots more. We are always happy to answer (or try to) questions about this subject.
Useful website addresses
www.nos.org.uk - National Osteoporosis Society.
www.noslynn.org.uk - Local branch of the NOS.
Further information
Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bones’.
Our bones are made up of a thick outer shell, and a strong inner mesh, which looks like a honeycomb made up of tiny struts of bone. Osteoporosis means some of these struts become thin or break, making bones more fragile and prone to fracture. It often remains undetected until a bone is first broken, which commonly occurs in the wrists, hips and spinal bones.
What causes Osteoporosis?
Two types of cell are constantly at work in our bones, building new bone and breaking down old bone. Until our mid-20’s the construction cells work harder, building strength into our skeleton. From our 40’s onwards, the demolition cells overtake and our bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of ageing.
Contributing factors
Apart from the cells at work, other factors increase the risk of osteoporosis:
- There is a familial (inherited) risk.
- Women have an increased risk after menopause, especially if the menopause (or hysterectomy) was before 45 years of age.
- People on long-term steroids for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis & ulcerative colitis
- People with conditions affecting absorption of minerals such as coeliac disease & Chron's disease.
- Lack of physical activity.
Whom does Osteoporosis affect?
In the UK 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 years of age, will suffer from a fracture.
Signs and symptoms
- Low impact "fragility" fracture (breaking a bone when falling from standing height).
- Chronic lower back pain due to crushing of vertebrae.
- Loss in height due to crushing of vertebrae.
- Kyphosis - curvature of the spine (humpback).
How can you help yourself
The main ways to help prevent, or at least delay the onset of osteoporosis:
- Weight bearing exercise, e.g. brisk walking, 30 mins over 5 times per week.
- Good dietary intake - low fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables, tinned fish in tomato/oil, dried fruit, especially figs.
- Moderate your alcohol intake to 2 units per day for women and 3 units per day for men.
- Stop smoking.
