What Is It, Who Does It Affect?
Osteoporosis, is sometimes thought of as a disease that only affects elderly ladies, this is not true, it can start to affect people at a very early age, it also affects approximately 20% of men in quite a serious manner. Unlike osteoarthritis, which can be very painful, Osteoporosis has no obvious symptoms and it is often called the “silent thief” because you do not feel anything, it just steals your bone strength without you knowing about it. What is Osteoporosis? it is often referred to as thinning bones, the word Osteoporosis actually translated means “Porous Bones” and it is referring to the deterioration in bone quality and density, leading to fragility and weakness, with a increase in the risk of bone fracture. The most common sites for fracture to occur are the hip, wrist, pelvis, spine and arms. Bone density deteriorates at a very gradual rate, probably from the middle twenties onwards. The condition may go undetected until a major fracture occurs.
