Orthopedic disease rumors debunked 5 | Osteoporosis is a minor disease, no need to make a fuss about it"??

Osteoporosis is a common chronic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and thinning of bones, which makes bones fragile and prone to fractures. Although some people may think that osteoporosis is a minor disease and no need to make a fuss about it, in fact, osteoporosis can seriously affect health and needs to be taken seriously.

First, the danger of osteoporosis is that it significantly increases the risk of fractures . This type of fracture can occur in any part of the body, but the most common are the spine, hip and wrist. Hip fractures, in particular, are not only difficult to treat, but can also lead to long-term disability and loss of independent living ability, seriously affecting the quality of life. Some people even say that hip fractures are the last fracture in a person's life.

Secondly, osteoporosis does not have obvious symptoms like some acute diseases. It often develops silently . People may suddenly suffer a fracture without any warning and then realize that they have osteoporosis. Therefore, the prevention and early diagnosis of osteoporosis are crucial.

In addition, osteoporosis can be effectively prevented and treated. Proper dietary intake, regular physical activity, adequate daylight time, and avoiding bad lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive drinking can help us promote bone health. For patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, they can be managed through medication, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and regular monitoring to reduce the risk of fractures.

Finally, the importance of correctly understanding osteoporosis lies in the fact that it can cause other complications , such as chronic pain, changes in normal body shape, and interference with social activities, all of which can have a negative impact on psychological and social life.

In summary, osteoporosis is not a minor disease that can be ignored. Instead, it is a chronic progressive disease that requires active prevention and management. We should raise awareness of this disease and take appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment measures to maintain bone health and prevent possible subsequent fractures and related complications.

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Author: Yu Tong, deputy chief physician, Zhang Zhihai, chief physician, Department of Orthopedics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, experts of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Expert review: Mu Xiaohong, Director of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Vice Chairman of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Chen Jiang, Chief Physician of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Member of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Editor: Jia Jing (Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine)