Osteoporosis is often thought of as a disease in women. This condition is more prevalent in women and is more common after menopause. With men, you may come across this case less often. So what does that imply? Does osteoporosis also affect men? You may find it surprising that conditions like this can have more severe implications for men than women. Here’s what you need to know to understand the disease and how to deal with it. If you have no idea about this condition, this will clear a few things.
Can men get osteoporosis? Yes, it is a real possibility. One in four men above fifty will have an osteoporotic-related break in their body within their lifetimes. Men who are at risk for osteoporotic fractures should visit their family doctor immediately to get a full diagnosis of their problem. They may need to undergo several tests to properly determine the problem and how much they need to do to get healthy again. Once a diagnosis is determined, treatment will be tailored to address the specific issue that causes the osteoporotic fracture.
Many different types of osteoporotic bone diseases affect both men and women. These include rickets and osteomalacia. Rickets, or rickets disease, is a condition in which the bones cannot absorb nutrients properly. Osteomalacia, on the other hand, is a condition that affects bone density. This may not appear as a problem because the bones are still growing, but the bones may become too dense over time and lose their elasticity. The resulting damage causes the bones to grow more slowly, making them vulnerable to fractures and other bone diseases.
Men can also suffer from bone problems and fractures due to conditions that affect their bones’ blood supply. A condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) causes the blood flow to decrease in the area where the bones are located. The result is a decreased supply of oxygen that can reduce bone strength, bone density, or mobility. As a result of this condition, there is decreased circulation to the bone tissues, allowing the tissues to become less flexible. If left untreated, PAD can cause various deformities, including bone spurs, fractures, and joint deterioration.
Can men get osteoporosis? To prevent osteoporotic fractures and other bone diseases, men should regularly monitor their diet and take all medications recommended by their physician. Also, men should get the right amount of physical activity daily to increase muscle strength and bone mass.
