Fragile, easily breakable bones due to the loss of normal bone density characterize osteoporosis. Due to the fragile nature of the bones, this medical condition often increases the risk of a fracture even with relatively minor injuries. Fractures due to osteoporosis most commonly affect the hips, wrists and spine, but can occur in any part of the body. Various treatment methods are usually administered to cure patients suffering from osteoporosis.
Drugs and Medications
Doctors often prescribe various medications such as biophosphonates, relaxifene and calcitonin to patients suffering from osteoporosis. Biophosphonates help to inhibit the breakdown of bones, and also preserve bone mass. They even help to increase bone density in parts of the body such as the hips, spine and wrists, thus helping to reduce the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
Doctors prescribe raloxifene, also known as Evista, exclusively for women suffering from osteoporosis. This drug acts similarly to estrogen and helps maintain bone density in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of fractures associated with osteoporosis.
Calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, also helps to slow down the process of bone density loss. Doctors often prescribe calcitonin in its synthetic or artificial form.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, also commonly called hormone replacement therapy, is another common treatment method. Patients suffering from osteoporosis often take orally available forms of estrogen such as Premarin and Estrace. Estrogen helps to reduce bone loss and increase bone density, and hence to prevent and delay the development of osteoporosis.
Other Common Treatment Methods
Other treatments often used by patients suffering from osteoporosis include physiotherapy and various calcium and phosphorous supplements. Physiotherapy usually helps individuals to maintain bone density, hence preventing and curing osteoporosis. Calcium and phosphorous supplements help in maintaining the bones' mineral content by nullifying the loss of minerals due to osteoporosis, curing the condition.
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