Preventing & Treating Osteoporosis
Early prevention and diagnosis are the key. Please make an appointment with your doctor for a thorough evaluation. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the doctor will recommend a suitable and comprehensive treatment plan based on your condition and fracture risk
Early prevention of osteoporosis
Early treatment of osteoporosis can reduce the risk of fractures, manage bone loss, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. If you suspect that you may have osteoporosis, please seek professional advice and treatment from a doctor
Engaging in weight-bearing exercises
Participating in weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, etc., helps maintain an active lifestyle and contributes to enhancing bone density and strength, promoting bone health.
Maintaining a balanced diet
Ensuring a balanced diet and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are crucial for promoting and maintaining bone health.
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and quitting smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Chemical substances in alcohol and tobacco can affect bone health and accelerate bone loss.
Preventing falls
Preventing falls helps to prevent fractures, including exercising to enhance balance and physical strength, reducing the use of medications associated with a higher risk of falls, and minimizing the risk of falls at home.
Following medical advice for medication
Adhering to medical advice for medication helps prevent fractures in individuals with osteoporosis.
Can osteoporosis be cured simply by taking daily calcium supplements or drinking calcium-fortified milk powder?
No, simply taking calcium supplements or drinking calcium-fortified milk is not enough to effectively treat osteoporosis. While calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, relying on supplementation alone is not a sufficient treatment for osteoporosis.
Calcium is a crucial component of bone structure, but it needs to be properly absorbed and utilized by the body. Vitamin D plays a vital role in facilitating calcium absorption. If a person is diagnosed with osteoporosis, doctor will first ensure they have adequate calcium and vitamin D levels before initiating any medication therapy to optimize its effectiveness.
Even with proper supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, the body may still struggle to incorporate these nutrients into the bones effectively. Osteoporosis is a complex condition that requires a multi-faceted approach, often including prescription medications. These medications can work by slowing bone loss, increasing bone density, or dual effect – actions that simple calcium and vitamin D supplements alone cannot achieve. For individuals with osteoporosis, a comprehensive treatment plan developed with their doctor is necessary to manage the condition and prevent fractures. Supplements can be part of this plan, but should not be relied upon as the sole solution.
Does avoiding physical activity or high-impact movements prevent fractures?
Thinning of bones due to bone loss makes them more fragile. If diagnosed with osteoporosis, it means the bones are highly susceptible to fractures. Even minor bumps, simple movements like turning in bed, forceful sneezing, or lifting objects can lead to fractures. Therefore, avoiding physical activity or high-impact movements alone cannot guarantee fracture prevention.
Osteoporosis needs to be treated to prevent fracture
If the bone density is low, the doctor may recommend starting the use of anti-osteoporosis medication. Currently, there are different types of medications to choose from, each with different mechanisms and effects. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also crucial, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and proper sleep. These measures can help improve bone health and provide optimal results.
Drug therapy
Several medications are available to manage osteoporosis effectively. Medication for osteoporosis aims to prevent further bone loss, improve bone density, and reduce fracture risk.
If you think you might be at risk of osteoporosis or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, we strongly advise you to consult and discuss with your healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.
Your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable medication based on factors such as your bone density, medical history, and individual needs. Regular follow-up and adherence to medication instructions are essential for optimal management of osteoporosis.
Common medications include bisphosphonates, which inhibit bone breakdown, and hormone therapy for postmenopausal women.
Other options include denosumab, which reduces bone resorption, and teriparatide, a bone-building medication.
Balanced diet
Healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for both physical and mental well-being. By maintaining a good lifestyle, we can improve overall health, prevent osteoporosis, or improve existing osteoporosis conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
A diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D intake can contribute to bone loss. Individuals at high risk of osteoporosis should choose foods that are beneficial for bone health to promote bone growth.
Foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, sardines, etc., are recommended to be consumed daily with a minimum intake of 800IU.
High-calcium foods such as milk, cheese, etc., are recommended to be consumed daily at a recommended intake of 1000mg.
Reduce intake of high-salt and high-sugar foods, such as salted fish, soy sauce, etc.
Regular exercise
Healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for both physical and mental well-being. By maintaining a good lifestyle, we can improve overall health, prevent osteoporosis, or improve existing osteoporosis conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
Moderate exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, helps stimulate bone formation and prevent fractures. It is recommended for generally healthy adults to engage in exercise for approximately 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week.
Weight-bearing exercise: Activities such as hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, etc. As we age, muscle mass tends to decline. Weight training can strengthen muscles and improve muscle strength, enhancing bone density. This reduces the risk of bone fractures even in the event of accidental falls.
Balance training: Activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, dancing, etc. These exercises improve posture, balance, coordination, and body alignment, thereby reducing the risk of falls.
Quit Smoking
There are quite a number of programs in Hong Kong to help you quit smoking
Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH)
“Quit to Win” Smoke-free Community Campaign
Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office
Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183
Counselling and Medications (“Mail to Quit” Programme included)
The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon
Smoking Cessation Outreach Programme in Workplace
Prevent Falls
Healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for both physical and mental well-being. By maintaining a good lifestyle, we can improve overall health, prevent osteoporosis, or improve existing osteoporosis conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
Falls can seriously impact independence, resulting in disability, changes in lifestyle, reduced activity and as a result social isolation and death. Hence fall prevention is important.
Fall-proof homes by removing hazards, installing grab bars and using extra lighting.
Doing regular, suitable weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises, alongside exercises to improve balance. Read more about exercise.
Keeping glasses clean and in good repair, being careful on stairs if wearing bifocals, and wearing sunglasses on bright days to reduce glare.
Wearing comfortable shoes with good support, a broad heel and non-slip soles.
Maintaining a healthy diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables and calcium-rich foods. Read more about nutrition.
Asking the patient about previous falls, if any, if they have any dizziness and monitor medications and their potential side effects. Prescription medications can contribute to falling, particularly if taking three or more.
Reference:
1.Fall Prevention Elderly Health Service, Department of Health30 April 2024 [Available from: Link]
2.Falls Prevention International Osteoporosis Foundation [Available from: Link
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