Osteoporosis Care at Prince Court Medical Centre: Protecting Your Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones gradually lose density and mass. As the bone structure weakens, it becomes more fragile and susceptible to fractures even from minor falls or impacts. The most commonly affected areas are the hip, spine, and wrist.

Recognising Early Signs of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because it rarely causes symptoms until significant bone loss has already occurred. Many people only discover they have it after experiencing a fracture or undergoing a bone density scan.

One of the earliest signs is a gradual decrease in height caused by compression fractures in the spine. These small fractures shorten the vertebrae and can lead to a stooped posture. Back pain may also develop because of the fracture.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Osteoporosis?

Throughout life, bone undergoes continuous remodelling; old bone is broken down and replaced by new bone. In osteoporosis, bone breakdown exceeds bone formation, leading to gradual weakening. Women experience more rapid bone loss after menopause due to a decline in oestrogen, a hormone that protects bone density.

Osteoporosis is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, biology, lifestyle, nutrition, medications, and medical conditions.

1. Biological and Genetic Factors

• Age above 50
• Female (especially postmenopausal)
• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Small or thin body build
• Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures

2. Lifestyle Factors

• Lack of regular weight-bearing exercise
• Diet low in calcium, vitamin D or protein
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking or long-term exposure to second-hand smoke

3. Medical Conditions Linked to Bone Loss

• Untreated hyperthyroidism
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple myeloma
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa
• HIV infection

4. Medications that Can Accelerate Bone Loss (if used long-term)

• Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisolone)
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Antiepileptic medications
• Thiazolidinediones for diabetes management

How Doctors Diagnose Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed during routine screening. Screening for osteoporosis is strongly advised for:

• Women aged 65 and above, regardless of symptoms
• People younger than 65 with any risk factors
• Men aged 70 and above
  

Your doctor would typically begin with a physical examination and X-rays, followed by lab tests if necessary.

Bone density scan

A bone density scan, also known as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is reliable bone density test to confirm an osteoporosis diagnosis. It accurately measures bone mineral density and predicts fracture risk. A DEXA scan is safe, non-invasive, and completed within 10–20 minutes. Results are given as a T-score.

Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a chronic but manageable condition. The goal is to preserve bone density, prevent fractures, and maintain mobility. In addition to lifestyle measures, your healthcare provider may recommend medication or hormone-based therapy based on your individual risk profile.

• Bisphosphonates: Slows bone breakdown
• SERMs (e.g. Raloxifene): Mimics oestrogen’s protective effect against postmenopausal bone loss
• Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein: Promotes bone formation
• Denosumab: Prevents bone resorption

Practical Preventive Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of ageing. With the right lifestyle choices, you can build stronger bones early in life and preserve them well into older age. Prevention focuses on maximising bone strength and reducing bone loss.

Healthy, balanced diet

• Bones rely on proper fuel to stay strong. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein forms the foundation of osteoporosis prevention.
• Calcium maintains bone structure. Good sources include dairy products, tofu, nuts, yoghurt and dark leafy greens.
• Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Regular sunlight exposure, along with foods such as eggs, fatty fish and fortified cereals or dairy alternatives, can help maintain healthy levels.
• Protein supports bone repair and muscle strength, which is essential for stability and fall prevention.

Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke

• Smoking directly weakens bone-forming cells. Quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take.

Exercise

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises (such as brisk walking, light stair climbing) and resistance training to stimulate bone strength.

Prevent falls

• In people with osteoporosis, the fracture is often caused not by weak bone alone, but by an avoidable fall. Simple preventive measures can reduce risk dramatically:
• Keep pathways clear and well-lit.
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms.
• Install handrails or grab bars where needed.
• Wear stable, well-fitting shoes.
• Avoid loose slippers or walking in socks.
• If unsteady, use a cane or walker for support.

Holistic Osteoporosis Care at Prince Court Medical Centre

Osteoporosis prevention and management are most effective when started early, and proactive screening can significantly reduce long-term complications.

Prince Court Medical Centre offers comprehensive osteoporosis evaluation and tailored treatment under the care of experienced Orthopaedic specialists.

If you have concerns about osteoporosis or wish to understand your bone health better, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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