4 'silent' signs warning of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis has very serious consequences, making bones brittle, fragile and very susceptible to fracture, even without injury.

Many people used to think that osteoporosis was a "luxury" problem, rarely encountered and not worth worrying about.

But the reality is that over time, especially for people over 65, the risk of fractures in the spine, hip or wrist due to osteoporosis is very high.

Statistics show that osteoporosis is the most common bone disease worldwide.

It is predicted that by 2050, there will be 6.3 million cases of hip fractures due to osteoporosis worldwide, of which 51% will be in Asian countries, where daily diets are often deficient in calcium.

In Vietnam, there are more than 4 million people with osteoporosis, occurring in both men and women, most commonly in postmenopausal women. This is considered a worrying problem.

However, early diagnosis and active treatment of osteoporosis are still very difficult. The disease is more common in women than in men, with a ratio of 3:1.

Osteoporosis has very serious consequences, making bones brittle, fragile and very susceptible to fracture, even without injury.

Therefore, right now, while you are still young, you must act immediately to avoid osteoporosis, at that time "it will be too late to regret".

Below are 4 silent signs that warn you that your skeletal system has problems.

Sign 1: Heartbeat

Resting heart rate is measured as the number of times the heart beats per minute when the body is not active.

Although the average resting heart rate of each person ranges from 60-100 beats/minute, scientists say that people with the number 80 will face a high risk of hip, pelvis and spine fractures.

This is because your heart rate reflects how active you are. High resting heart rates are common in sedentary people who don't regularly walk, an important physical activity for building healthy bones.

How to handle:The first thing to do is to know what your resting heart rate is. In the morning, while lying in bed, place one or two fingers (index and middle) on your wrist or neck.

Count the number of beats for 15 seconds. Then multiply that number by 4, and you'll know your resting heart rate.

If your result is above 80, it is a warning that you should be more active. Although some sports make your heart beat faster, regular exercise will lower your resting heart rate. You can participate in walking, running, tennis, jumping, dancing...

Sign 2: Nails break easily

Broken nails are common but can be annoying. However, if they happen frequently, it could mean that your bones are brittle.

Previous studies have shown that people with low levels of collagen (a protein that promotes health) in their nails also have insufficient levels in their bones. Meanwhile, weak or straight-growing nails indicate a lack of calcium, an essential mineral for bones.

How to handle:Include calcium-rich foods in your daily diet, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, broccoli, and sardines. You can also ask your doctor about taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D.

Sign 3: Receding gums

The jawbone supports and holds the teeth in place. Like any bone in the body, it is susceptible to weakening.

As a result, the jaw loses bone and the gums begin to recede or lose their grip on the teeth. This is alarming because it can lead to tooth loss.

"Women with osteoporosis often have a clear warning sign: tooth loss," says Susan Greenspan, MD, director of the Osteoporosis Prevention Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

How to handle:See your dentist if you are at high risk for osteoporosis, such as a family history of osteoporosis, smoking, long-term use of steroid medications, or calcium deficiency.

Sign 4: Pull the door

If you have trouble opening doors or standing up, blame your bones. Studies have shown that grip strength reflects calcium levels in the bones of your arms, spine, and hips.

How to handle:It’s never too late to improve your muscle tone and balance. If you’ve never lifted weights before, start now. You can also try yoga or tai chi to improve your balance and strength.

According to Young Knowledge