What is Metabolic Bone Disease?
Metabolic bone diseases encompass disorders that are caused by derangements of important bone minerals including calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous, and problems with bone structure. Among these disorders, osteoporosis is the most common. The end result of all types of metabolic bone diseases is a decrease in bone density.
Possible Causes:
Our bone is composed of a number of different minerals and nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous. Conditions that result in deficiencies of any of these minerals can ultimately lead to metabolic bone disease. Bone loss can occur as a part of the natural aging process as well; osteoporosis is typically a result of decreased estrogen levels in older women who have undergone menopause. Other less common causes of metabolic bone disease include a hyper or hypo functioning parathyroid gland, diseases of the kidney, and intestinal disorders.
Risk Factors
Increasing age is the perhaps the most important risk factor of metabolic bone disease. Decreased estrogen levels in women, whether after menopause or because of premature ovarian failure, are also closely associated with osteoporosis. Other important risk factors include low body mass, steroid use, history of fractures, and those who have received an organ transplant.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of metabolic bone disease include:
- Easy and frequent fractures
- Bony pains that increase with exertion
- Limping and problems with balance
- Deformity of the spines including kyphosis or hunchback
- Reduction in height overtime
Diagnosis
Metabolic bone disease can be diagnosed with various tests that include both blood tests and imaging. Osteoporosis and osteopenia can be confirmed with a DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan. DXA scan is also recommended as a screening test for women over the age of 65 years. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D are also sometimes done if involvement of the parathyroid glands or kidneys are suspected.
Treatment Options
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are medications now available that can slow down the process of bone loss. Bisphosphonates are the first line treatment for osteoporosis along with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Disorders of the parathyroid glands that cause bony loss may require surgical removal of an overactive parathyroid gland, or aggressive calcium replacement in the case of a hypoactive parathyroid gland. Kidney diseases that cause calcium and phosphorous derangements may require dialysis or replacement of the minerals.
FAQs
Q. Do men need screening for osteoporosis?
Men are at a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis than women. However, screening is recommended for men over the age of 70 years, or men over the age of 50 years who have a history of fractures.
Q. What are some lifestyle/home remedies for metabolic bone diseases?
The recommended lifestyle modifications for those with metabolic disease include increasing the proportion of calcium and vitamin D rich foods in the diet. Some examples of these foods include fish, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products. Gentle exercises to avoid muscle atrophy are also encouraged.
Q. Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Some women are prone to developing osteoporosis because of a strong family history of the disorder. However, this metabolic bone disease can be prevented through certain lifestyle modifications starting from an early age. Strength training has been clinically proven to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and is, by, far, the most important preventive measure. A balanced diet that is rich in bone minerals such as calcium and vitamin D is also essential for preventing osteoporosis in the future.