Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of the most common types of arthritis. This condition results in too much loss of calcium in the bones. When the bones lose excessive calcium, this results in loss of bone density. The bones become brittle and fragile, substantially increasing the risk for bone fractures. Women are much more likely to experience loss of calcium and decreased bone density. If you think you have osteoporosis or may be at risk for developing the condition, speak with your doctor about treatment options or preventive measures that you should be taking to prevent onset of osteoporosis.

Like many conditions, prevention is the key to keeping osteoporosis at bay. If you know that you are at risk for osteoporosis, consider consuming a high calcium diet. Most health professionals recommend a diet that includes 1500 mg of calcium each day. Sometimes Vitamin D may be necessary in order to absorb the calcium. Foods that are rich in calcium include milk and dairy products, and fish such as salmon and sardines. Speak with your doctor about supplementing your diet with calcium and possible vitamin D.

Vitamin D can also be absorbed naturally simply by spending more time in the sun. You may be able to take just one multivitamin to fulfill your calcium and vitamin D needs. Again, you will need to speak with your doctor to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need to prevent osteoporosis, and to discuss whether you will need to supplement your diet with calcium and vitamin D. If you are a smoker or drinker, your doctor may also advise you to limit these activities as much as possible. Research has shown that smoking can lower estrogen levels, leaving your bones more at risk for losing bone mass.

Some practitioners are also trying boron and/or strontium supplements as part of the overall treatment. These may help rebuild bone mass that has been lost.

Moderate to heavy alcohol use has also been linked to loss of bone density. Another important preventive step is to ensure you are getting some form of regular physical exercise. Weight bearing exercises and sports have been shown to improve muscle strength and can help build bone mass. Walking is another good overall choice.

For many women who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, one treatment option is estrogen treatment. Estrogen replacement therapy can reduce women's risk for developing osteoporosis. This form of therapy can help increase bone mass and density in the spine and hips. However, some women have experienced side effects from the use of estrogen replacement therapy. Also, some studies have made a connection between estrogen replacement therapy and an increased risk of breast cancer and perhaps heart disease.

There are other treatment options for individuals suffering from osteoporosis. New drug therapies are currently being developed. Current options include prescription drug medications that are used to help restore bone density and slow the progress of the condition. Some are oral drugs, others are injected once a month or even once a year. Talk with your doctor about the current options in order to make an informed choice about which medication fits your life and specific health circumstances the best.