Management of osteoporosis requires a combined approach:
• Have foods which are high in calcium. These include milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu, and soy milk. The International Osteoporosis Foundation website has a useful calcium intake calculator. Calcium supplements are advised for those unable to meet the recommended intake of 1000 to 1300 mg daily.
• Sunlight exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. The vitamin D level can be checked on a blood test. If the level is found to be low, most patients will require a supplement of at least 1000 IU per day.
• Weight-bearing exercise such as walking for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week.
• Avoid smoking.
• Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks a day.
• Avoid falls by reducing the chances of tripping, such as ensuring all rugs have a no-slip backing, tucking away electrical cords, and avoiding slippery floors.
• Consult your GP to check for medical conditions that will cause accelerated bone loss. These include: - Rheumatoid arthritis - Chronic liver or kidney disease - Malabsorption problems (including coeliac disease) - Thyroxine excess - Hyperparathyroidism - Steroid use or related disease - Low oestrogen (females) or testosterone levels (males).
• Medications for osteoporosis are recommended if bone loss is severe, associated with a fragility fracture, or shown to decline over time on a DXA scan.
