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Can Fosamax Be Taken When Diagnosed With Osteoporosis?
Question: I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis - and the doctor issue a prescription for flosomax (spelling?) and I am (1) concerned about taking this drug and (2) wondering if I can reverse the bone thinning by exercise and diet without the drug?
Brief Answer:
exercise and supplements would help but may not be enough if severe
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Low bone mass may be classified as osteopenia or osteoporosis. In osteopenia, the bone loss is not as severe.
In osteoporosis there is usually a significant decrease in the density of bone.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES MAY HELP SIGNIFICANTLY but IN SOME CASES MAY NOT BE ENOUGH IF THE LOSS IS SEVERE.
Lifestyle changes such as adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin d, weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises would definitely help but may not be able to reverse it completely.
Women over 50 are suppose to use at least 1200mg of calcium daily and 600 IU of vitamin d (between age 50 to 70), up to 800 iu since you have osteoporosis.
Some medical studies have definitely shown that the use of both of these can help whereas others did not show a conclusive result.
As much as possible , the calcium should be dietary to reduce any potential problems.
Low impact exercises such as walking may help. For osteoporosis , at least 3 to 5 sessions a week of weight bearing exercises for 45 to 60 minutes is recommended.
Correct vertebral alignment should be maintained during exercise because one medical study found that exercises that cause flexion of the vertebra increase the risk of fractures of the spine.
Lower limb strength training exercise would also help improve bone density in the spine.
It is possible that you implement these measures and have an ok response, it is also possible, especially if the bone loss is severe, that the response may not be enough.
Many persons need both medication and lifestyle changes.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
exercise and supplements would help but may not be enough if severe
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Low bone mass may be classified as osteopenia or osteoporosis. In osteopenia, the bone loss is not as severe.
In osteoporosis there is usually a significant decrease in the density of bone.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES MAY HELP SIGNIFICANTLY but IN SOME CASES MAY NOT BE ENOUGH IF THE LOSS IS SEVERE.
Lifestyle changes such as adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin d, weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises would definitely help but may not be able to reverse it completely.
Women over 50 are suppose to use at least 1200mg of calcium daily and 600 IU of vitamin d (between age 50 to 70), up to 800 iu since you have osteoporosis.
Some medical studies have definitely shown that the use of both of these can help whereas others did not show a conclusive result.
As much as possible , the calcium should be dietary to reduce any potential problems.
Low impact exercises such as walking may help. For osteoporosis , at least 3 to 5 sessions a week of weight bearing exercises for 45 to 60 minutes is recommended.
Correct vertebral alignment should be maintained during exercise because one medical study found that exercises that cause flexion of the vertebra increase the risk of fractures of the spine.
Lower limb strength training exercise would also help improve bone density in the spine.
It is possible that you implement these measures and have an ok response, it is also possible, especially if the bone loss is severe, that the response may not be enough.
Many persons need both medication and lifestyle changes.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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