Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Discharge Instructions

Osteoporosis is a health problem where bones become weak and fragile. All through life, old bone is taken away by the body and new bone is added. Before age 30, more bone is added than taken away. This builds stronger, heavier bones. After age 30, more bone is taken away than is made. This can cause bones to become weak. Then, they are more likely to break. If your bones are just starting to weaken, it may be called osteopenia. The bones are less dense than they should be. This is not as bad as osteoporosis. Both of these conditions often happen without any signs. About half of all women older than 50 and about a fourth of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Prevent bone loss,Build up your bones,Give you extra vitamins and minerals,Balance hormones

Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, canned salmon or sardines, tofu, and calcium-fortified orange juice and cereals.,Avoid high protein diets. Protein is important but too much can cause bone loss.,Limit caffeine. Moderate amounts of coffee and tea are fine. Avoid carbonated cola drinks as studies show drinking these puts you at greater risk for bone loss.

Broken bones,Slumped posture,Loss of height,Poor bone healing,Loss of motion

Sudden back pain with or without numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the arms and legs. This could be a sign of a bone break in a spinal bone. A spinal bone break can happen even without falling.,You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Ambulatory Care,Neuromuscular and Skeletal,Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)

Age-Related Osteoporosis,Decreased Bone Density,Osteopenia,Senile Osteoporosis

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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