How is Osteoporosis Treated?

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, it can be treated. The goal of treatment is to prevent fractures. A balanced diet rich in calcium, adequate vitamin D, a regular exercise program and fall prevention are all important for maintaining bone health. Several medications are available for the treatment of osteoporosis. If treatment is stopped or your doctor’s recommendations regarding your osteoporosis are not followed, you run the risk of further loss of bone density and an increased risk of fractures. For younger people, a fracture may simply involve wearing a cast for a few weeks while it heals. In older adults, fractures cause more consequences:

• It may take 2-3 months for pain to resolve.
• With hip fractures, as many as 50 percent of patients do not regain their pre-fracture function after 1 year.
• About 25 percent of women will spend some time in a nursing home after a hip fracture.
• About 10-20 percent of hip fracture patients will die within 1 year of the fracture.