Bone health is a high concern for people prone to genetic bone diseases or for those who are elderly. Osteoporosis, a condition that involves the thinning of bone tissue, is a common bone condition, with as many as 10 million individuals being affected by this condition.
Internal Structure
In a normal, healthy bone, millions of collagen fibers are connected together. The structure of these fibers often is described as having a honeycomb-like appearance. The design also can be compared to a piece of Swiss cheese in which the solid spots between the holes are long and thin. Normally the holes between the fibers are not excessively large, and the fibers are numerous enough to provide solid support and strength. In a osteoporotic bone, the fibers are thinner, fewer in number, and the holes between the fibers are larger. This means the bone is not as strong and is more prone to fracture.
Shortening
From an external point of view, osteoporosis can appear as a shortening of stature. This is because an osteoporotic compresses and gets smaller---the more fibers in a bone and the smaller the holes, the less prone the bone is to this compression.
Dowager's Hump
Another external sign of osteoporosis is a condition known as dowager's hump. Dowager's hump is a curvature of the spine, usually near the shoulders. It occurs because the bones of the spine are not strong enough to withstand the compression that occurs from the weight placed on them. Those with the condition often appear as though their neck and head are thrust forward, while the upper part of the back is abnormally curved toward the ceiling.
Limping
Limping is another external way to spot osteoporosis. The compression of the bones because of the loss of bone density can result in pain, especially in the hip area, which has to shift frequently to support the weight of the torso. As a result, some individuals with osteoporosis limp in an effort to minimize their discomfort. It is not uncommon for those with osteoporosis to break one or more hips, because the pressure on that area is so significant.
Treatment
Normal, healthy bones are formed through good diet that includes plenty of calcium. Those with osteoporosis can try to minimize bone loss by taking in enough calcium, as well as vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption. If diet alone is not enough, medicines may be prescribed.
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