What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone strength such that fractures occur with minimal trauma. Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are major public health concerns; about 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 6 men aged over 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. In addition to their economic cost, fractures have a debilitating effect on independence and quality of life. Moreover, the problem will worsen, and it has been estimated that 35 years from now hip fractures will be three to four times more common than they are now.
Although the reason for the trend for increased hip fractures remains unexplained, it may be that our less active lifestyle and poor nutrition has caused decreased bone health and muscle strength– both of which are risk factors for fall-related hip fracture.
"Osteoporosis" and "osteoarthritis" are often confused because of the similarity in their names. Osteoporosis is often referred to as "the silent thief" because the disease can progress without any signs until a fracture occurs. For more information on osteoporosis, contact BC Women's Osteoporosis program. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by painful, stiff and deformed joints. Commonly the joints of the hips, knees, fingers and feet are affected. The treatment and care of each condition is completely different. For more information on osteoarthritis, contact the Arthritis Society.
