Pharmacologic Approaches in Reducing Hip Fracture Risks
Aside from lifestyle and environmental modifications, drug therapy may also be beneficial in reducing the risk of hip fractures, medical journals say. One of the most common reasons for fractures of the hip is the gradual weakening of the bones, which is often associated with ageing or other degenerative diseases that affect bone mineral density. With early detection of bone problems followed by the right kind of medication, the degree of bone loss may be moderated.
Vitamin D and calcium levels are essential in determining bone health. With adequate intake of these two important nutrients, osteoporosis may be prevented. Although most patients may easily get these from their diet or in the case of vitamin D which may be produced by the body through direct sunlight exposure, there are some individuals who may have difficulty in their absorption or have problems controlling their excretion through the kidneys. For these individuals, calcium and vitamin D supplements may work best in maintaining the right concentrations of these two nutrients for the body to use. Of course, one also needs medical supervision to determine the required dosages.
Other useful pharmacologic agents used to prevent osteoporosis are risedronate and alendronate. These are bisphosphonates, which have increasingly been reported to have a therapeutic effect in suppressing or reducing the rate of bone turnover, strengthening bone tissues, and reducing fractures especially in women who are most at risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. When considering these drugs, thorough assessment of kidney functions may be necessary as these may further damage already diseased kidneys. Moreover, doctors may also prescribe bisphosphonates together with calcium and vitamin D supplements. It is highly recommended that these medications be taken at least an hour apart since calcium is known to alter the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women was also observed to decrease the likelihood of fractures even in the very old that have experienced previous falls. After menopause, the body gradually diminishes the production of estrogen, which is seen to have some protective effect in maintaining bone density. Although this may both be useful in reducing menopausal discomforts and bone fractures, prolonged use may also open up other problems such as breast or uterine cancer and cardiac disorders.
In addition to these pharmacological approaches, maintaining a healthier lifestyle which often includes achieving an ideal body weight, refraining from alcohol abuse and excessive smoking, getting enough strengthening exercises, and ensuring a high vitamin D and calcium diet may contribute in reducing your chances of developing hip fractures as well. If you want to know more about the condition of your bones, it is also a good idea to talk to your physician about it during your next visit to the clinic. For more information check the DePuy Hip Recall News Center.
Image Credit to:
yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/Page.asp?PageID=STW025723
References:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14503398
aafp.org/afp/2004/1001/p1293.html
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4902a2.htm
Check this personal injury lawsuits site for more news and updates on injury lawsuits.
Vitamin D and calcium levels are essential in determining bone health. With adequate intake of these two important nutrients, osteoporosis may be prevented. Although most patients may easily get these from their diet or in the case of vitamin D which may be produced by the body through direct sunlight exposure, there are some individuals who may have difficulty in their absorption or have problems controlling their excretion through the kidneys. For these individuals, calcium and vitamin D supplements may work best in maintaining the right concentrations of these two nutrients for the body to use. Of course, one also needs medical supervision to determine the required dosages.
Other useful pharmacologic agents used to prevent osteoporosis are risedronate and alendronate. These are bisphosphonates, which have increasingly been reported to have a therapeutic effect in suppressing or reducing the rate of bone turnover, strengthening bone tissues, and reducing fractures especially in women who are most at risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis. When considering these drugs, thorough assessment of kidney functions may be necessary as these may further damage already diseased kidneys. Moreover, doctors may also prescribe bisphosphonates together with calcium and vitamin D supplements. It is highly recommended that these medications be taken at least an hour apart since calcium is known to alter the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women was also observed to decrease the likelihood of fractures even in the very old that have experienced previous falls. After menopause, the body gradually diminishes the production of estrogen, which is seen to have some protective effect in maintaining bone density. Although this may both be useful in reducing menopausal discomforts and bone fractures, prolonged use may also open up other problems such as breast or uterine cancer and cardiac disorders.
In addition to these pharmacological approaches, maintaining a healthier lifestyle which often includes achieving an ideal body weight, refraining from alcohol abuse and excessive smoking, getting enough strengthening exercises, and ensuring a high vitamin D and calcium diet may contribute in reducing your chances of developing hip fractures as well. If you want to know more about the condition of your bones, it is also a good idea to talk to your physician about it during your next visit to the clinic. For more information check the DePuy Hip Recall News Center.
Image Credit to:
yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/Page.asp?PageID=STW025723
References:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14503398
aafp.org/afp/2004/1001/p1293.html
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4902a2.htm
Check this personal injury lawsuits site for more news and updates on injury lawsuits.