Early Signs of Osteoporosis: What to Look For

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease”  because it progresses gradually and may not show obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, being proactive and recognizing the early signs can help you maintain your bone health and reduce any complications. In this blog we are going to go over the early signs to keep an eye out for and what you should know. 

Decreased Grip Strength

One of the earliest indicators of osteoporosis is a noticeable decrease in grip strength. There are studies that have linked weak grip strength to lower bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women. If you are finding it harder to open jars, hold onto objects, or preform any tasks requiring hand strength, it may be worth it to get in contact with a professional. 

Height Loss

Losing height as you age in not uncommon, but significant height loss can signal osteoporosis. This occurs when the bones in the spine, called vertebrae start to weaken and compress. This then leads to a noticeable reduction in stature. Having regular measurements of your height can be a great way to keep track of this. 

Poor Posture

A hunched posture, known as kyphosis, is another early warning sign. It often occurs from small fractures in the spine that cause the vertebrae to collapse. This leads to chronic back pain and even difficulty standing up straight. 

Bone Pain or Tenderness

Bone pain or tenderness, especially in the hips, wrist, or lower back, may indicate the early stages of osteoporosis. While not always present, persistent discomfort in these areas should be evaluated, especially if it worsens over time. 

Frequent Fractures

Breaking a bone from a minor fall or very low-impact activity is a red flag for osteoporosis. Fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine are common. If you have experienced a fracture due to tripping or simple as bumping into furniture, it is important to investigate further. 

Brittle Nails

Brittle or weak nails can sometimes be an early sign of osteoporosis or poor bone health. While other factors like nutrition and hydration can also affect nails, consistent brittleness raises concerns. If this is something that you are noticing you should contact a healthcare professional. 

Preventing & Managing Osteoporosis

If you are noticing any of these early signs, it is crucial to take action! Lifestyle changes, such as getting R.E.M.S scans, increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, and engaging in weight-bearing exercise, can help your bones. 

Keep a Tab on Your Osteoporosis with Osteo Scan!

Recognizing the early signs of osteoporosis can make a significant difference in preventing severe complications. Pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if you begin to notice symptoms like height loss, poor posture, or frequent fractures. Our team at Osteo Scan provides professional bone monitoring services in Florida! Contact our team today to schedule your R.E.M.S scan!