Hyderabad: India has taken the top spot globally for the highest number of osteoporosis cases, as reported by medical experts on the eve of World Osteoporosis Day.
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones, affects approximately 1.5 million men in India due to factors like calcium deficiency and genetic predisposition. World Osteoporosis Day, observed every year on October 20, serves as a reminder to enhance awareness about the importance of maintaining strong bones, effective treatments, and strategies for preserving bone health.
Maintaining optimal bone health is crucial for overall well-being, as bones play a pivotal role in shaping physical strength, mobility, and lifestyle. Osteoporosis, a complex ailment driven by intricate molecular pathways, leads to a decrease in bone and mineral density.
The theme for this year’s World Osteoporosis Day is “Build Better Bones,” emphasizing the fundamental significance of strong bones as the foundation for a healthy life.
Dr. Sai Laxman Anne, Chief Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur, described osteoporosis as a medical condition causing bone brittleness. He highlighted that, unlike normal circumstances where bones don’t fracture without significant trauma, individuals with osteoporosis experience fractures from minor falls, sudden movements, or minor impacts. Osteoporosis tends to become more prevalent with age, resulting in fractures among older individuals.
India has approximately 61 million elderly individuals with osteoporosis, and a striking 80% of them are women. Various risk factors, such as gender, advancing age, menopause, low body mass index, family history, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption, contribute to the prevalence of osteoporosis. Remarkably, osteoporosis tends to occur in India 10-20 years earlier than in Western countries.
Dr. P. S. Jaya Prasad, Consultant Orthopaedics at Kamineni Hospitals, noted that globally, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 suffer from osteoporotic fractures, making it a major cause of long-term pain and disability in the elderly. However, due to limited infrastructure, facilities, and awareness, only 20% of those with osteoporosis receive a diagnosis. Osteoporosis can result in a 20% loss of bone density in affected individuals.
To mitigate these risks and combat osteoporosis, organizations worldwide join forces to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis through testing, and assess bone density. These practices are essential to ensure long-term bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Dr. SVL Narasimha Reddy, Orthopaedic Surgeon at SLG Hospitals, emphasized that lifestyle modifications, vitamin intake, and the use of pharmacologic agents can play a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, early diagnosis is vital, as bone density cannot be fully restored once it declines. The condition tends to develop when individuals experience a faster loss of bone density, leading to weak bones. Rebuilding lost bone density becomes challenging with age.
On the contrary, young individuals with osteoporosis have the potential to recover and regain bone density. Dr. V. S. Abhilash Kumar, Consultant Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy Surgeon at Amor Hospital, revealed that India leads globally in osteoporosis cases, with 1.5 million cases identified in men due to factors such as calcium deficiency and genetics. There is a growing prevalence of the disease, and several misconceptions surround it, including the belief that osteoporosis is solely an age-related issue.
Research shows that osteoporosis can affect individuals of various ages and is linked to overall health. Healthy metabolic fitness contributes to stronger bones. Another common myth is that bone density testing is painful, but it is a simple, non-invasive procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes. Strengthening muscles through sunlight exposure, calcium intake, and regular 30-minute workouts can help maintain healthy bones.
