Osteoporosis (not to be confused with osteoarthritis) is a condition that thins out the bones, most often affecting the hips, wrists, and spine. As a result, your bones can become brittle and break more easily. In fact, people with osteoporosis tend to get far more fractures than those without it.
Causes
There are 2 key causes of osteoporosis in people with RA.
1. The potential side effects of some RA medications
Some medications can limit your body's ability to absorb calcium from the digestive system (calcium intake is needed for healthy bones). Others can limit the production of new bone matter.
2. A decrease in activity
In people with RA, a lack of activity is often caused by the pain, symptoms, and joint damage of the disease. Much like your muscles, your bones may become weaker as a result.
Prevention
Because the onset of osteoporosis offers no clear early warning signs, taking steps now to help prevent it are key. First, I encourage you to talk with your rheumatologist. He or she will have some specific advice based on your personal health. In addition, I'd like to offer some general recommendations on how to prevent the 2 key causes of osteoporosis.
1. Potential side effects
To offset the calcium depletion caused by some RA medications, you can increase your calcium and vitamin D intake by:
- Eating and drinking dairy products such as low fat or fat-free milk and cheeses
- Getting 15 minutes of sun exposure daily (always remember to wear proper UV sunscreen and clothing)
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, as recommended by your rheumatologist
- Limiting (or completely eliminating) beverages from your diet that may reduce the levels of calcium and vitamin D in your body (eg, coffee, alcohol, and soda)
2. A decrease in activity
The type of exercises that work your body against the force of gravity can help protect your bones from osteoporosis. These include walking, free-weight training, and dancing. Performing these exercises regularly can enhance your balance and mobility and help reduce the risk of fracture-causing falls. I encourage you to go back and read my articles about starting a walking program, and to discuss them with your rheumatologist.
It's a fact that the risk of osteoporosis is greater for those living with RA. But knowing how to protect your bones through diet and exercise may help you prevent it or slow down its occurrence. So I encourage you to ask your rheumatologist about osteoporosis prevention and to adopt my recommendations. By making the right choices, you can take an important step toward keeping your bones healthy for the future.
Managing Pain and Stress
