Osteoporosis is a silent disease that weakens bones, often showing early signs in hands, legs, and teeth such as wrist fractures, grip weakness, hip pain, height loss, receding gums, and brittle nails. Early detection through awareness and medical assessment can prevent serious fractures and improve quality of life by enabling timely treatment and lifestyle changes.
The article highlights that osteoporosis is increasingly affecting men as they live longer, yet awareness, screening, and treatment remain low among men, leading to serious fractures and health issues.
The popularity of pickleball has surged, leading to a 200% increase in bone fractures over the last 20 years, with common injuries including sprained ankles, knee damage, rotator cuff injuries, and foot fractures. A study found that most fractures occurred during falls, with women over 65 being more susceptible. Experts advise proper preparation, including learning the sport's mechanics and form, warming up, wearing appropriate shoes, and getting screened for osteoporosis. It's also crucial to learn how to fall safely and consider bone scans, especially for those with a family history of fractures.
The popularity of pickleball has led to a significant increase in serious injuries among players, with bone fractures related to the sport rising by 200% over the last 20 years. Common injuries include soft tissue injuries, ACL damage, rotator cuff injuries, and foot fractures. Experts advise players to be well-informed and prepared, emphasizing the importance of learning proper mechanics, warming up, wearing appropriate footwear, and getting screened for osteoporosis. Additionally, individuals, especially middle-aged women, are encouraged to undergo bone scans to assess fracture risk.
A study conducted in England and published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that older adults with cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or glaucoma are more likely to experience falls and fractures. The risk for both was highest among people with glaucoma, followed by those with cataracts and then AMD. The study suggests that all three eye diseases are important risk factors for falls and fractures, warranting improved advice, access, and referrals to fall prevention services for older people with eye disease.
New research published in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology challenges the widely held belief that vitamin D supplements help prevent bone fractures in children. The study, conducted in Mongolia, involved over 8,800 schoolchildren aged 6 to 13 who were given weekly vitamin D supplements for three years. Despite normalizing their vitamin D levels, the children showed no change in fracture risk or increased bone strength. The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may not be effective in preventing fractures in children without rickets, emphasizing the need to focus on preventing vitamin D deficiency in early life.
Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by bone density loss, remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and widely misunderstood. Weak bones can lead to sudden fractures, with a high mortality rate, yet only a small percentage of patients receive diagnostic bone density scans after a fracture. Experts recommend that women over 65 and younger women who have gone through menopause should schedule a bone density test. Prevention should start early, with sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and a healthy lifestyle. Medications such as bisphosphonates and bone-building drugs can help treat osteoporosis, but they have limitations and potential side effects. Research is ongoing to develop new treatments for osteoporosis.
Italian acting icon Sophia Loren, who recently turned 89, underwent emergency surgery after suffering fractures, including one to her femur, following a fall at her Swiss home. The surgery was successful, and there is cautious optimism about her recovery, which will involve a short convalescence and a long rehabilitation. All of her upcoming engagements have been canceled, and her sons are by her side at the hospital. Loren's last public appearance was at the Armani fashion show in Venice on September 2.
Italian acting icon Sophia Loren, 89, has undergone emergency surgery after suffering several fractures, including one to her femur, following a fall at her Swiss home. The surgery was successful, and there is cautious optimism about her recovery, which will involve a short convalescence and a long rehabilitation. All of Loren's upcoming engagements have been canceled, and her sons are by her side at the hospital. Loren's last public appearance was at the Armani fashion show in Venice on September 2.
Bone cancer can originate from any cell in a bone and its causes are largely unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. Typical symptoms include pain and swelling localized to a specific location in the skeleton, which may worsen over time and cause pathological fractures. Less specific symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.
Bone cancer can originate from any cell in a bone and its causes are largely unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. Typical symptoms include pain and swelling localized to a specific location in the skeleton, which may worsen over time and cause pathological fractures. Less specific symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.