Osteoporosis Symptoms and Signs

When actors go through phases of rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss in preparation for film roles, many eyebrows are often raised among health professionals. Dr Shital Raval lists out reasons why it is medically dangerous and unhealthy of such yo-yoing. Imagine going from 68 kg to 93 kg in six months and then back again to original size. Well...That’s what actor Aamir Khan did recently oscillating from rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss. While Khan’s bulging - thinning programme…

Who should have a Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery and what are the alternatives available? Dr Shital Raval suggests factors to help you make a decision.  Let us evaluate the various options available and the factors to consider. Arthroplasty Total hip replacement surgery is also known as Total Hip Arthroplasty while a knee replacement surgery is called Knee Arthroplasty (can be partial or total). Both are common and effective procedures for hip and knee arthritis. These are elective…

And other questions on menopause answered by Dr. Usha Saraiya,  Consultant Obstetrician – Gynaecologist at Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill Hospital & Saifee Hospital. She reiterates - Preventive actions helps to prevent Osteoporosis, diabetes & heart disease.  1.   What is the average age of menopause in India? It is between 45 years to 50 years. In India it is said to be earlier say from 42 years to 47 years. But women who are not educated do not tell their age…

Neha Shah, fitness instructor, who was once immobile with rheumatoid arthritis, debunks the belief that exercise increases the risk of injury from broken bones for people with osteoporosis. On the contrary, she counsels that a regular, properly designed exercise program may actually help strengthen bones and muscles and improves balance, coordination and flexibility important for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. Bones are the support system of our body. Bones are continuously being broken…

Believe it or not people who are thin and underweight are not always healthy and free of illness. They can struggle to put on weight. Our nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju shares tips on healthy meal plan to gain weight. This is also important as people age and lose weight. Being lean sounds great, but being underweight because of poor nutrition doesn't sound healthy at all. Being underweight, you are more likely to pick up infections, a lack of vitamins and minerals will hinder your growth if…

Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…

What causes osteoporosis Limited formation of bone early in life, or loss of bone structure later in life leads to osteoporosis. The factors that help in bone growth during youth affect bone mass during the adult years, particularly the following: • Poor calcium intake  • Poor absorption of calcium from the gut • Reproductive calcium intake, i.e., the amount of calcium utilized by the body in women • Vitamin D deficiency • Lack of physical activity • Increased Parathyroid gland function,…

There are typically no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra (back bone) Loss of height over time Stooped posture Bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected

Different types of osteoporosis • Primary: This is a common type of osteoporosis associated with increase in age, improper diet and lack of physical activities. • Secondary: This is bone loss that occurs due to the use of certain medications. • Juvenile osteoporosis: This is rare. It occurs during the ages when bone growth is rapid, ie in the ages 8-14years.  Different stages of the condition Between the ages of 18 to 30, the bone attains its peak bone mass, ie, bone will reach their…

What tests do I need to have done The doctor may recommend some of the following : DEXA Scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry): This is a type of bone densitometry test commonly used for osteoporosis, which measures bone mineral density. It usually focuses on the spine and the hip or on total bone density to gauge fracture risk. Know more on Dexa Scan or Bone Scan Blood test markers: Blood or urine tests check the chemical processes occurring within the bone. These tests reveal several markers…