02.21.2019
Osteoporosis Series
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disorder of bones, where a person’s strength (quality and quantity) of bone decreases. As bones thin out, they develop a “honeycomb” appearance, with larger holes and spaces.
Bones that are weaker are less able to withstand forces, making fractures (breaks) happen much easier. In a person with osteoporosis, these fractures can happen from simple falls from standing height, or even sneezing. Osteoporosis takes years to progress, often without symptoms like pain. By the time a person has had their first osteoporotic fracture, the disease is already advanced.
Osteoporosis can lead to pain, lowered self-esteem, decreased mobility and decreased independence.
How common is osteoporosis and its related consequences?
Osteoporosis is a very common condition – currently 2 million Canadians have osteoporosis. One in three women and one in five men will have a fracture from osteoporosis in their lifetime. In Canada there are 25,000 hip fractures yearly, with 70% related to osteoporosis. Hip fractures result in disability in 50% of survivors, and cause death in 20% of cases.
For more information regarding our Osteoporosis Bone Force Program, we invite you to check out our website or contact us for more information!
Stephanie Dragan
Registered Physiotherapist
stephanie@pstottawa.ca
613-656-3841
www.PerformanceSportsTherapy.ca
