Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Metabolic bone diseases affect bone strength and can cause bone deformities.
The most known metabolic bone diseases are osteoporosis, rickets, osteitis deformans (Paget disease) and osteomalacia. While bone is part of the ageing process, metabolic bone disease can increase the risk of bone failure.
The most common metabolic bone disease is osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis occurs mostly in women after menopause, it can also affect men and women of all ages, as well as children. If left untreated osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures due to fragility, cause bone deformities and may even result in serious disability.
What are the causes of osteoporosis and MBDs?
There are a number of factors that can cause osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. These include loss of bone protection by oestrogen following menopause, problems with of parathyroid gland regulates calcium and phosphorous in our blood. If the parathyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can result in:
- Abnormal levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
- Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels).
- Hyperparathyroidism (over-activation of the parathyroid gland).
All of which can result in the development of metabolic bone disease.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases?
There are some symptoms in common to different metabolic bone disease conditions, and some that are unique.
Osteomalacia
- Bone and joint pain.
- Muscle cramps, pain, and weakness – particularly after exercise.
- Bones that fracture more easily – in particular, bones in the hip, lower back, and feet.
- Walking difficulty.
- Experiencing pins and needs in the hands and feet due to low levels of calcium.
Rickets
- Feeling tenderness or pain in legs, arms, pelvis, or spine
- Short stature and stunted growth
- Fractures of the bones
- Cramped muscles
- Deformed teeth including decayed tooth formation
- Skeletal deformities such as bowlegs or an oddly shaped skull
Paget Disease
- Bone pain
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Pressure on nerves
- Bowed limbs, curvature of the spine, increased head size (when advanced)
Osteoporosis
Unfortunately, osteoporosis is referred to as a silent disease as most patients are unaware of their condition until they suffer a bone fracture, and the condition has advanced. The symptoms include:
- Back pain as a result of a collapsed or fractured vertebra
- A loss of height
- A stooped posture
- Bones that break easily
Risk factors for osteoporosis?
There are a number of risk factors for osteoporosis. These include:
- Your sex and your age – older women are more susceptible
- The Caucasian and Asian population have a greater risk factor
- People with a smaller body frame
- A family history of poor bone health (in particular parents or siblings)
- Low calcium and vitamin D intake
- Low hormone levels
- Diseases that affect the bowel including coeliac disease, IBF, and other malabsorption conditions
- Diabetes
- Overactive thyroid and parathyroid conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Smoking
- Low physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Treatments for certain conditions can also be a risk factor for osteoporosis including:
- Certain prostate cancer and breast cancer treatments
- Corticosteroids used for asthma treatments
- Certain antidepressant, epilepsy, and HIV treatments
How is osteoporosis and MBD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis is generally made by your physician taking a careful medical history, conducting a physical examination, medical imaging (X-rays), and bone density scans.
How is osteoporosis and MBD treated?
The treatment Dr Nandi recommends is based on the underlying cause of the condition.
Early detection and the treatment of risk factors is important to maintaining your skeletal health; as well as lifestyle management such as a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, and suitable physical activity to ensure normal bone metabolism.
To treat your condition, Dr Nandi may prescribe particular medications that are designed to retard the rate of bone loss or replace lost bone structure.
If you are concerned that you may have osteoporosis or a metabolic bone disorder, please speak to your GP and arrange for a referral.
