Did you know that osteopenia puts you at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, though not always? Check out to know more on its symptoms and assess your risk of developing it.

Osteopenia Symptoms

Before you skip to understand the symptoms of Osteopenia, educating yourself a little on this physical complication may help you to understand more about the condition. To begin with, osteopenia is not the same thing as osteoporosis, though both share the common characteristic of decreased bone density. Osteopenia is a condition characterized by decreased bone density that results when bone is lost faster than it is created. The condition is triggered when the body fails to form new bones or when too much of old bone is reabsorbed by the body. Osteopenia is seen as precursor of osteoporosis, though not every person suffering from osteopenia is likely to suffer from osteoporosis in later stages. However, it is wrong to treat osteopenia as a disease. Osteopenia, in fact, is merely a physical condition where your bones are more prone to fracture. Personal and family history of osteopenia or osteoporosis, sedentary lifestyle, low body weight and BMI below 19 are some of the key factors that increase your chances of acquiring osteopenia. Educate yourself more on its signs and symptoms to assess your risk factors. Read on to know more.
 
Symptoms Of Osteopenia
  • Osteopenia exposes you to a greater risk of bone fracture. Fracturing your wrist, toe, ankle or finger without experiencing any severe trauma may be early warning sign of low bone mineral density.
  • If you are above 30 and experience a fracture, get a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan recommended by doctor, to ensure that your bone is in fine shape. A sudden fracture in late thirties is a clear indication of osteopenia.
  • One of the most neglected symptoms of everyday life that may hint towards a great complication of osteopenia is tooth decay and cavity. If you take regular care of your teeth but are still prone to cavity, getting your bone density tested may save you from developing Osteopenia. If for some reason your body is removing more calcium than it is replacing, it could be coming from your teeth just as well as your bones. Any kind of peridonatal disease may be an early indication of osteopenia.
  • If you have been experiencing a dull and nagging pain in your bones or muscles, particularly in the lower back or neck, check out with a doctor as these might indicate the occurrence of osteopenia.
  • Sever back pain is another early signs of this bone disorder. If you have suffered a fractured spine or collapsed spine, you have a higher chance of acquiring osteopenia. Early diagnosis may help to combat this issue.
  • If you notice a loss of height due to spinal compression fractures or a stooped gait, check out with a doctor, for these too may indicate towards osteopenia.
  • Unexplained fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones due to slight pressure may set the alarm button on for you. Osteopenia cause the bones to turn brittle. In such cases, checking out with an orthopaedician may be of help.

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