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8 early warning signs of osteoporosis

8 early warning signs of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by the weakening of bones. The bones become so brittle that even a mild strain can cause a fracture. This happens because the new bone tissues are not regenerating fast enough to replace the old tissues. The exact cause behind this has yet to be discovered. However, several early warning signs indicate susceptibility to osteoporosis, especially among women. These help in timely diagnosis and treatment.

  • Low bone density
    Low bone density means that the mineral density in your bones has declined. Due to this, the body cannot generate new bone at the same rate as it absorbs the old bone. This condition is called osteopenia. Although being diagnosed with osteopenia doesn’t indicate osteoporosis, it is one of the early warning signs. This is because low bone density often precedes severe osteoporosis. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, consult your primary care doctor for regular tests and examinations to prevent further bone loss.
  • Brittle bones
    Another tell-tale early warning sign of osteoporosis is brittle bones. Therefore, there is a higher risk of breaking a bone. These fractures usually occur in the wrist, spine, and hips. However, fractures can occur in any part of the body. It is not necessary that these fractures will occur due to a hard fall or accident. For those with osteoporosis, brittle bones may break even from mild trauma. Fractures can happen during normal routine activities such as bending to pick, opening a window, or lifting something.
  • Bad posture
    The onset of osteoporosis is sometimes preceded by the bones in the spine becoming weak. As a result, there can be fractures in the vertebrae or the bones in the spine. These compression fractures in the vertebrae occur under normal pressure and are not necessarily due to trauma. It can lead to issues with posture while sitting down, sleeping, or even walking.
  • Family history
    There are genetic components that have a direct impact on the mineral density of bones. In addition, genes play a role in the formation of the bones and the processes that take place within the bone itself. So if a close family member has osteoporosis or fracture sensitivity, consider this an early warning sign. If either one of your parents has experienced a fracture, especially in the hips, you can be at high risk. Getting screened as early as possible will ensure you get a timely diagnosis.
  • Hunched upper back
    Compression fractures of the vertebrae can lead to bad posture and a hunched upper back. The upper back vertebrae collapse to cause a stooped posture. This condition is also known as dorsal kyphosis. It is sometimes also referred to as Dowager’s hump or widow’s hump. Though it is usually observed in those with osteoporosis, dorsal kyphosis can also be a sign of other health conditions.
  • Losing height
    Losing your height is one of the common signs of aging. However, it can be a red flag if you lose more than 1.5 inches of your height. Those with undiagnosed osteoporosis have often been observed complaining about losing their height. This occurs because the spinal vertebrae or the backbones become fragile with age. Also, compression fracture causes the backbones to press against each other and collapse into one another.
  • Back pain
    Another common early warning sign of osteoporosis is experiencing sudden and severe back pain frequently. This pain generally occurs in the middle or lower part of the back. It happens due to compression fractures and the pressure on the backbones. It is essential to consult your primary healthcare provider if you have the risk factors for osteoporosis and experience back pain regularly.
  • Gastrointestinal problems
    In some cases, you may also experience gastrointestinal problems during the early onset of osteoporosis. Some of the common symptoms include lack of appetite, feeling full quickly, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are experienced due to the reduced space in the stomach. The ribs come closer to the pelvis affecting the digestive process. All these happen because of compression or lumbar fractures in the lower back caused by osteoporosis.

The development of osteoporosis is caused due to several factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and health conditions, among others. When one experiences any of the signs mentioned above, it’s advised to consult a specialist at the earliest.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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11 early signs of Parkinson’s to never ignore

Parkinson's is a neurological disorder that primarily disrupts communication from the brain resulting in uncontrolled and unexpected movements. It affects specific neurons that carry the signals and impulses from the brain to control vital organs and functions. Parkinson's is progressive disorder, and there is no cure for the condition yet. However, knowing and identifying many early symptoms is beneficial to improve the outlook on living with the condition. Here are 11 early warning signs to never ignore. Tremors Resting tremors are among the first warning signs of developing Parkinson's. These tremors are not noticeable when the person is using the hand but show up as soon as it is in a more relaxed position. The uncontrolled shaking starts with the thumb and progresses to affect the entire hand. Severe rigidity The rigidity of the muscle groups and joints also indicates developing Parkinson's problems. These discomforts significantly impact simple day-to-day actions like buttoning up shirts, picking up objects, or gripping things in general. These symptoms are even more problematic when combined with the tremors that develop on and off abruptly. Such muscle problems can deeply impact a person's psyche as well. Balance issues Parkinson's also impacts a person's balance as it interferes with the brain and body's coordination to send and receive signals that control gait. This symptom usually affects a person's ability to control the speed and intensity of their movements, triggering a loss of balance. Movements could be either too quick (hypokinesia) or too slow (bradykinesia) without any control whatsoever. Changes in posture Parkinson's, being a progressive disorder, can worsen existing problems causing muscle stiffness and rigidity. The posture becomes more stooped as Parkinson's affects vital nerve communications that control the muscles and joints to maintain correct posture. This further increases the risk of falls and significantly impacts daily routine. Reduced automatic actions There are many automatic reflexes that the brain controls right from simple but important tasks like breathing, swallowing, blinking, or even adjusting the focus to improve vision. Parkinson's interrupts the communication of signals that control these automatic reflexes impacting the simplest tasks. Changes in speech Voice modulation becomes problematic with progressing Parkinson's. So, patients often develop changes in speech that are quite noticeable and distinct. Talking in a monotonous voice or low volume are noticeable changes that persist. One might also have trouble finishing sentences legibly, stutter, or even slur trying to pronounce common words. Trouble with expressions Besides speech impairment, Parkinson's also impacts the fine gross motor skills that control facial muscles for proper expression. Patients lose the ability to control their responses and may inadvertently trigger muscle reflexes for the wrong emotional response. These abrupt changes can be incomprehensive and utterly unrelated to the situation. Changes in handwriting With poor gross motor and fine skills, changes in handwriting are also a progressive sign of developing Parkinson's. Patients notice their handwriting getting smaller and smaller, or the alphabets are grouped too close to read properly. This condition is called micrographia, often resulting from bradykinesia or hypokinesia movements. Sleep discomforts Tremors, restless leg syndrome, and poor muscle control are all discomforts that deeply affect one's sleep quality. Parkinson's patients may also lose sleep over nightmares and subconscious triggers that are not under their control. This affects the duration and consistency of a good night's rest. Further, daytime fatigue sets in because of a lack of sleep. Loss of smell Loss of smell is an unusual symptom that does indicate early on that there is a possible risk of developing Parkinson's. It might be years before a person realizes and understand the severity of the symptom linked to the condition that hasn't fully progressed yet. Digestive issues Lack of muscle control impacts vital digestive organs like the intestines and rectum, making it difficult to pass stools resulting in constipation. Even the bladder is affected, and one might experience incontinence that forces them to relieve themselves urgently and frequently. These are clear signs of disrupted communication between the brain and vital organs. Note that there is no specific pattern for developing symptoms. It'll greatly vary from person to person and is also influenced by the intensity of the disease progression. However, symptoms should not be left unchecked, as many of these discomforts increase the risk of underlying health complications linked to the disorder. While there is no cure for the condition, it is still possible to manage most of the early signs and discomforts with prompt diagnosis and intervention.

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