Hip osteopenia. Treatment and diagnosis
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What is hip osteopenia?
It is considered the ideal ostopenia term to define the decrease in bone mineral density at a level prior to osteoporosis.
We can say that osteopenia in the hip precedes a bone condition known as osteoposoris, if treated correctly it can prevent bone strength from continuing to decrease.
The problem lies in the difference between the rate at which the body generates new bone cells and how it absorbs them. When they begin to be absorbed in an accelerated way, the structure weakens, consequently it becomes easier for the bones to fracture.
Hip ostopenia, symptoms
Osteopenia of the hip or any other joint has no symptoms, it is an asymptomatic disease that can be diagnosed when the patient is undergoing tests for other purposes.
Some statistics report that women are at greater risk of suffering from this condition, so it is recommended to go for frequent bone density tests in order to prevent the progression of the disease to more chronic cases.
Causes of hip osteopenia.
There are several factors that can cause the loss of bone density, among which we can mention:
- Genetic or hereditary factors.
- Menopause.
- Sedentariness.
- Metabolism uncontrol. Failure to absorb calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are essential for bone regeneration.
- Hormonal problems caused by diseases such as: Hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Excessive smoking and/or alcoholism.
Diagnosis of hip osteopenia.
The way to diagnose this disease is through the examination known as bone densitometry, it is a test that focuses on establishing the level of bone density.
Among the values we can mention the following ranges:
- Healthy score: T – 1.0 or higher.
- Osteopenia score: T -1 to -2.5.
- Osteoporosis score: T -2.5 or lower.
Hip Ostopenia and Its Treatments
Supplements:
The first recommendation to improve the condition will be to find the ideal supplementation for the patient in order to ensure that their body has the nutrients it needs to strengthen its bones.
Among the options you can recommend calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements. As well as improving the intake of products that benefit the absorption of nutrients, for example, green vegetables, dairy foods, etc.
Physical activity:
Movement stimulates the production of new bone cells, so exercising can help strengthen your muscles.
The orthopedic doctor may recommend, depending on your health conditions, exercises such as low-impact sports, use of weights, dance, etc.
How to prevent hip osteopenia?
It is possible to prevent this bone disease by maintaining healthy habits, that is, having an exercise routine, a balanced diet in which enough nutrients are found, in addition to avoiding counterproductive vices such as smoking.
Also, these recommendations are the same as those that are applied to improve the condition once it has been detected.
What happens if I don't treat my hip osteopenia?
Osteopenia of the hip or any other joint is a degenerative disease that if not treated in time will continue to advance, damaging the bone and increasing the risk of unforeseen fractures.