Osteoporosis Patient Education

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis (say: OSS-tee-oh-po-ROH-sis) is a condition where your bones become weak and fragile. This happens because the bones lose density, or thickness, making them easier to break.

Causes and Risk Factors

Getting older (bone density decreases with age)
Being a woman, especially after menopause
Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D
Lack of exercise or physical activity
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol
Family history of osteoporosis
Certain medicines or health problems that affect bones

Signs and Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms until a bone breaks.
You may notice losing height or a curved spine.
Back pain from broken vertebrae (small bones in your spine).
Fractures from minor falls or bumps.

Early Warning Signs

Small fractures after little or no injury
Mild back pain or loss of height over time
Poor posture or a hunched back

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

Broken bones, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine
Long-lasting pain from fractures
Loss of independence because of difficulty moving
Increased risk of falls and injuries

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Take medicines your doctor prescribes to help keep bones strong
Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Exercise regularly with weight-bearing and balance activities (like walking or light weight training)
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Use safety measures at home to prevent falls (like grab bars and good lighting)

Common Medications

Bisphosphonates: Help slow bone loss (e.g., alendronate)
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: Help keep bones strong
Hormone therapy: Sometimes used for women after menopause
Other medicines: Like denosumab or teriparatide, depending on your doctor’s advice

Side Effects: Some medicines can cause stomach upset, muscle pain, or other issues. Always tell your doctor about side effects.

Dietary Needs

Eat foods rich in calcium like milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens
Get enough vitamin D from sunlight or supplements
Avoid too much caffeine or salt, which can hurt bone health

Lifestyle Changes

Stay active with safe exercises
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol use
Keep your home safe to avoid falls

Safety Considerations

Use handrails on stairs
Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs
Wear non-slip shoes
Use assistive devices if needed (like a cane or walker)

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Get bone density tests as recommended
Follow your doctor’s advice on medications and lifestyle
Keep active and eat well
Report any falls or pain immediately

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

You have new or worsening bone pain
You fall or hurt yourself, even if you don’t think you broke a bone
You notice a change in posture or height loss
You have side effects from your medicines
You need help with exercises or safety at home

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have sudden, severe pain from a fall or injury
You cannot move a part of your body after a fall
You have pain, swelling, or deformity in a limb
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain after a fall
You have numbness or weakness after an injury

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below. Circle True if the statement is correct or False if it is incorrect. If the statement is False, please write the correct answer.

True or False: Osteoporosis makes bones weak and easy to break.
True or False: Only women get osteoporosis.
True or False: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D helps protect your bones.
True or False: Osteoporosis usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks.
True or False: Exercise can help make your bones stronger.
True or False: Smoking helps keep your bones healthy.
True or False: You should avoid all physical activity if you have osteoporosis.
True or False: Bone density tests help find osteoporosis early.
True or False: Falls are dangerous for people with osteoporosis.
True or False: You should call your doctor if you notice loss of height or back pain.
True or False: Calcium is only found in dairy foods.
True or False: Bisphosphonates are medicines that slow bone loss.
True or False: It’s okay to stop your osteoporosis medicine if you feel fine.
True or False: Drinking too much alcohol can make osteoporosis worse.
True or False: Osteoporosis cannot cause spine problems or curved back.
True or False: Using a cane or walker can help prevent falls.
True or False: You should remove loose rugs to avoid tripping.
True or False: You only need to worry about osteoporosis after age 80.
True or False: Vitamin D helps your body use calcium.
True or False: If you fall and feel severe pain, you should go to the emergency room.

Individualized Questions About Your Osteoporosis

Have you had a bone density test? What were the results?
Are you taking any medicines for osteoporosis? Which ones?
Do you take calcium or vitamin D supplements?
How often do you exercise, and what kind of activities?
Have you had any recent falls or fractures?
Do you have back pain or notice any change in your height or posture?
Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
Are you able to safely move around your home?
Have you noticed any side effects from your medicines?
When was your last doctor visit for your bone health?