World Osteoporosis Day 2022
What is world osteoporosis day 2022 focussing on this year?
This year The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) will emphasise the significance of a bone-healthy lifestyle as the cornerstone for strong bones and mobility, fracture-free future will be this year's tagline, "Step up for bone health."
Additionally, the campaign's messages and resources will emphasise the crucial importance of Fracture Liaison Services as well as specialised fitness regimens and nutrition after a fracture. In order to prevent osteoporosis and fractures, the IOF will reach out to medical professionals and health authorities and ask them to ‘step up’ by making sure that those who are at risk of fracture have quick access to diagnosis, treatment, and post-fracture care. (www.worldosteoporosisday.org, n.d.).
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that appears when bone quality or structure deteriorates, bone mineral density declines, or when bone mass decreases. This may result in a loss of bone density and an elevated risk of fractures (broken bones).
Osteoporosis is referred to as a "silent" illness because it frequently goes unnoticed until a bone is broken, and sometimes not even then. Osteoporosis is the main factor in fractures in elderly men and postmenopausal women. Any bone can break, however hip, spine, and wrist vertebrae are the most frequently broken bones. (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2018).
Bone deterioration is a typical aspect of ageing, although some people lose bone much more quickly than usual. Osteoporosis and an elevated risk of shattered bones can result from this.
Additionally, women lose bone quickly in the first several years following menopause. In instance, if the menopause starts early (before the age of 45) or a woman has had her ovaries removed, she is more likely to develop osteoporosis than a man.
However, males, younger women, and children can also be affected by osteoporosis. (NHS, 2019).
One in five males and one in three women over the age of 50 may experience an osteoporotic fracture globally. Bones that have osteoporosis become brittle and weak, making them susceptible to breaking at the slightest bump, tumble, sneeze, or rapid movement. Osteoporosis-related fractures are a significant source of pain and long-term disability and can be fatal. (www.worldosteoporosisday.org, n.d.).
What is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is the condition that comes before osteoporosis. When you have bone density that is lower than typical for your age but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis, a bone density scan will reveal this.
Not all cases of osteoporosis result from osteopenia. Many different things affect it.
There are actions you may take if you have osteopenia to maintain the strength of your bones and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Depending on how fragile your bones are and how likely it is that you may break a bone, your doctor may also recommend one of the osteoporosis-related bone-strengthening treatments. (NHS, 2019).
Causes of osteoporosis & risk factors
Osteoporosis develops when the structure of bone tissue is altered due to excessive bone mass loss. There are some risk factors that can either cause you to develop osteoporosis or raise your risk of doing so.
Many people who have osteoporosis have a number of risk factors, but not everyone who has the disease does. You may be able to change some risk factors, while you cannot change others. You might be able to avoid the disease and fractures, though, by being aware of these factors. (NIAMS, 2019).
The NHS website states that-
“Many hormones in the body affect bone turnover. If you have a disorder of the hormone-producing glands, you may have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Hormone-related disorders that can trigger osteoporosis include:
overactive thyroid gland
disorders of the adrenal glands, such as Cushing's syndrome
reduced amounts of sex hormones (oestrogen and testosterone)
disorders of the pituitary gland
overactivity of the parathyroid glands
Other factors thought to increase the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones include:
a family history of osteoporosis
a parental history of hip fracture
a body mass index (BMI) of 19 or less
long-term use of high-dose steroid tablets (these are widely used for health conditions such as arthritis and asthma)
having an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
heavy drinking and smoking
rheumatoid arthritis
malabsorption problems, as in coeliac disease and Crohn's disease
some medicines used to treat breast cancer and prostate cancer that affect hormone levels
long periods of inactivity, such as long-term bed rest.”
(NHS, 2019).
Treatment for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis treatment involves using medications to strengthen bones, treating and preventing fractures.
Although the findings of your bone density scan are used to get an osteoporosis diagnosis, other factors, such as the following, are used to determine if you will require therapy.
Age
Sex
previous injury history
Even if you have osteoporosis and have already shattered a bone, you should still receive treatment to lower your chance of doing so in the future. (NHS, 2019).
“Thousands of people set to benefit from first new treatment for osteoporosis for over a decade.”
In April 2022 NICE published its final draft of guidance for new treatment for osteoporosis. Thousands of people in England and Wales with severe osteoporosis who are at high risk of fracture are set to benefit from a new treatment – romosozumab – after NICE recommended it for people after menopause.
“Over 20,000 people could be eligible for the treatment according to the company. Clinical trial evidence showed that romosozumab (also known as EVENITY and made by UCB) followed by alendronic acid is more effective at reducing the risk of fractures than alendronic acid alone…
Current treatments for people with severe osteoporosis after menopause include bisphosphonates, such as alendronic acid, and other types of medicines, such as denosumab or teriparatide.” (NICE, nd).
What can you do to keep your bones healthy?
Exercise, keeps your bones and muscles moving
Nutrition, ensure you enjoy a well rounded and nutrient rich diet
Lifestyle, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy body weight.
Risk factors, Find out if you have any of the associated risk factors and focus on preventative methods if you have them.
Testing and treatment, get tested and treated if needed, speak to your doctor.
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www.worldosteoporosisday.org. (n.d.). Get involved | World Osteoporosis Day. [online] Available at: https://www.worldosteoporosisday.org/get-involved [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022].https://www.worldosteoporosisday.org/get-involved [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022]
www.worldosteoporosisday.org. (n.d.). About Osteoporosis | World Osteoporosis Day. [online] Available at: https://www.worldosteoporosisday.org/about-osteoporosis.
NHS (2019). Osteoporosis. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2018). Osteoporosis Overview | NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview.
NIAMS (2019). Osteoporosis. [online] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis.
NICE. (n.d.). Thousands of people set to benefit from first new treatment for osteoporosis for over a decade | News and features | News. [online] Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/thousands-of-people-set-to-benefit-from-first-new-treatment-for-osteoporosis-for-over-a-decade.
