What are the early warning signs of osteoporosis?

Getting older is associated with a decrease in bone density. But osteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicines to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of falls.

Bone health plays an enormous part in reducing your risk of falls as you get older.

Osteoporosis occurs when your bones become less dense and start losing minerals like calcium, making them more fragile. Healthy, strong bones help anchor your body for movement, meaning you are less likely to lose your balance.

When you live with osteoporosis, not only are you more likely to fall over, you are more likely to fracture a bone when you fall or complete everyday tasks. Unfortunately, declining bone health can also put you at risk of back pain and compromised posture, and lead to psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, social isolation and a reduced sense of self-worth.

Healthy Bones Australia (HBA), formerly Osteoporosis Australia, estimates that more than 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis, with many more cases going undiagnosed.

By 2033, around 7.7 million Australians aged 50 years and older are predicted to have osteoporosis or its predecessor osteopenia — an increase of 23 percent from 2023 and 69 percent since 2012.

Data from the HBA shows that in 2023, there were nearly 194,000 osteoporosis and osteopenia-related fractures, costing the Australian health system around $3.5 billion. The HBA suggests that by 2033, one fracture every 2.2 minutes will be attributable to osteoporosis.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

Unsurprisingly, those who have risk factors for the disease are more likely to develop osteoporosis.

Aside from older age, other risk factors include early menopause, a family history of osteoporosis, conditions including hyperthyroidism and diabetes, and some medications such as those used in the treatment of cancer. Females often lose bone mass at an accelerated rate after they have experienced menopause.

There are also lifestyle factors that may increase your chance of developing the disease. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, calcium and protein deficiencies and not having enough vitamin D.

Health Direct, the government’s free health information and advice website, has developed a free self-assessment tool where you can find out more about your chances of developing osteoporosis.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Health professionals suggest that if you are aged 70 years or older, you should see your doctor to enquire about having a test to check your bone density.

Your doctor, or chosen health professional, may also ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing and request your full medical history. They may complete a physical exam.

There is also a chance they will refer you for blood or urine tests, or perhaps a specialist, if they believe there is another condition affecting your bone density.

Can it be treated?

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, lifestyle changes and medicine can go a long way towards helping treat it.

The treatments aim to strengthen your bones so they are less likely to break or be injured, and prevent falls that could damage your bones.

Limiting alcohol consumption, undertaking regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating foods containing calcium and protein are all things you can do to lessen your chances of developing osteoporosis.

Your doctor, physiotherapist or other allied health professionals can help you build a safe exercise plan. HBA says the best one for those living with osteoporosis incorporates progressive resistance training, weight-bearing activities and balance exercises to help strengthen your muscles and the bones where the muscles attach.

There are also several different medications designed to assist those living with osteoporosis. Some are given once or twice a year, and others may need to be taken daily. Your doctor will consult with you to decide the best plan of action to take for your individual circumstances.

Maintaining healthy bones means you can stay strong, mobile and independent for longer to ensure you are able to live the life you deserve.

Did you know Just Better Care has Support Workers able to transport you to medical appointments and any other allied health services you may need? Contact your local Just Better Care office to find out how we can help.