Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened and fragile bones, increasing the risk of fractures. The condition is a worldwide health problem, affecting both men and women. It is a complex disease that affects the entire skeleton, but the spine is particularly susceptible to fracture. It can cause pain, loss of height and even deformities such as hunched posture.
The disease is common amongst older people, but it can also affect younger individuals. It is important to understand the symptoms of osteoporosis in order to identify it early, and treatment should be started promptly. The most effective way to prevent bone breakage is to maximise peak bone mass in childhood and adolescence, reducing bone loss in later life. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, adequate exercise and calcium supplementation. Taking vitamin D supplements is also recommended, as it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis in those who do not get enough sun exposure to trigger the formation of new bones.
Medical Aid schemes in South Africa frequently cover the cost of bone density tests, which are essential for monitoring the progress of osteoporosis treatment and preventing serious complications such as spinal fractures or hip fractures. Physical therapy and other management strategies can also be covered by Medical Aid, making it much easier to manage the disease.
Hip fractures are devastating for patients, as they can lead to severe disability and a high mortality rate. Up to 20% of those who sustain a hip fracture die within one year and less than half can return to full functional capacity. Spinal osteoporosis is equally life-changing, and it can lead to a curved spine or spinal compression fractures, as well as vertebral compression fractures in the hip and neck. These can be extremely painful, and are often associated with a host of complications such as impaired mobility, a stooped posture and reduced quality of life.
Although stooped posture Osteoporosis South Africa is a visible sign of the condition, many individuals do not recognise it as a symptom of osteoporosis, which makes early diagnosis crucial. Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa often cover the costs of regular medical check-ups, which include a measurement of height, and this can help detect the disease in its earliest stages.
The rollout of antiretroviral therapy has dramatically increased life expectancy in southern Africa, where 20.6 million adults are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This population is at a higher risk of developing age-related osteoporosis and sarcopenia than other regions. This study conducted a cross-sectional community-based sample of individuals aged 20-80 years in rural South Africa to determine the prevalence of age-related osteoporosis and to explore the association between HIV infection, grip strength and lean mass, gait speed, and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). The results indicated that sarcopenia is common in this population, with 37% having sarcopenia at the femoral neck. However, HIV infection was not associated with sarcopenia or BMD at other skeletal sites.