Osteoporosis - Treatment Overview

The process of bone thinning (osteoporosis) is a natural part of aging. However, if you receive treatment early, you may be able to stop or slow the progress of bone loss. Treatment is important to:

    * Prevent broken bones.

    * Maintain or increase your bone thickness.

    * Relieve pain caused by fractures and changes to bones.

    * Maintain your ability to function physically.

Treatment for osteoporosis includes eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting regular exercise, and taking medication to reduce bone loss and increase bone thickness. It's important to take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with any medicines you take for osteoporosis. Even small changes in diet, exercise, and medicine can help prevent spine and hip fractures. Adults who adopt healthy habits can slow the progress of osteoporosis.

Initial treatment of osteoporosis

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your health professional probably will recommend lifestyle and diet changes. Eat foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, all necessary for maintaining healthy, strong bones. Take supplements if you think you are not getting enough of these nutrients in your diet. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your recommended daily calcium and vitamin D intake is 1,200 mg of calcium plus 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D.

Your bones need vitamin D to absorb calcium. One study showed that vitamin D may reduce an older person's risk of falling by 22%.10 The best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also added to milk, some calcium supplements, and many multivitamin supplements.

Research studies do not agree about whether calcium plus vitamin D supplements can prevent fractures. Some studies show that calcium and vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of fracture.11 But other studies show little effect of supplements on fracture risk.12 The greatest benefit of supplements appears to be for people who have osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are recommended if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.