Srinagar, Oct 20 (KNO): Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent bone disease”, which is very common yet frequently overlooked condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to fracture.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterised by decreased bone density and deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to brittle bones.
Health experts said that awareness, timely diagnosis, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce its impact — especially among women and the elderly who are more prone to the disease.
According to doctors, bone mass peaks by the age of 30, after which it gradually declines. If bone loss occurs faster than bone formation, it leads to osteoporosis.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Javid Ahmad Reshie, an orthopaedician, said that osteoporosis can result from multiple factors and the most common causes include hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions or medications.
He said that drop in estrogen levels in women after menopause and decreased testosterone in men can accelerate bone loss. "Calcium and Vitamin D are vital for bone strength, but their deficiency weakens bones over time," he said.
Dr Reshie added that lack of physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises, contributes to bone thinning besides that long-term use of steroids, thyroid problems, and certain autoimmune disorders increase the risk.
Dr Aadil Hussian Wani, another orthopaedician, said that women are at a much higher risk than men, particularly postmenopausal women due to the sharp decline in estrogen levels.
Other high-risk groups include individuals with a family history of osteoporosis, people over the age of 50, underweight or malnourished individuals and those with chronic illnesses or on long-term steroid therapy.
"The major complication of osteoporosis is bone fractures — even from minor falls or routine activities," he said. "Hip and spine fractures are particularly serious, often leading to long-term disability or even life-threatening complications in older adults. Spinal fractures can also cause chronic pain, loss of height, and a stooped posture."
Doctors caution that osteoporosis can severely affect quality of life, independence, and mobility, especially in the elderly population. They said that although osteoporosis cannot always be completely cured, its progression can be slowed and managed effectively through medication and lifestyle changes.
A diet rich in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish supports bone health, doctors said.
Experts stress that prevention should begin early — ideally in adolescence and young adulthood — when bone-building is at its peak.
"People must maintain an active lifestyle with regular weight-bearing exercises like walking or jogging, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, avoid smoking and alcohol use and get bone density tests (DEXA scans) regularly if you are at risk," they advised.
Doctors said that osteoporosis is no longer a disease confined to the elderly; changing lifestyles, poor diet, and lack of awareness have made it a growing public health concern.
They urge people, especially women after 40, to undergo regular bone health checkups and adopt healthy habits early to prevent complications later in life—(KNO)