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Older adults

Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis means the bones have become thin and weak, so they break more easily, often after a minor fall. It causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, most often in the hip, spine or wrist. At Rehabify in Bengaluru, Dr. Dharshan N A checks your bone health and fall risk, plans safe exercise and works with you on medicines, diet and pain after a fracture.

On this page
  1. Common causes and risk factors
  2. Who should see a doctor
  3. What happens at Rehabify
  4. Before and after your visit
  5. When to get help urgently
  6. Common questions
  7. Sources

Common causes and risk factors

  • Age and menopause, when bone loss speeds up
  • Family history of hip fracture or osteoporosis
  • Long-term steroid tablets and some other medicines
  • Low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use and low activity
  • Low calcium or vitamin D
  • Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, diabetes and early menopause

Who should see a doctor

Signs to get checked

  • A broken bone after a minor fall from standing height or less
  • Loss of height, a curved upper back, or sudden back pain without injury
  • Women after menopause and men over 50 with risk factors above
  • Anyone on long-term steroid tablets

What happens at Rehabify

  1. 01

    History

    Past fractures, falls, medicines, diet, menopause, family history and activity.

  2. 02

    Examination

    Height, posture, spine tenderness, strength and balance.

  3. 03

    Tests if needed

    A bone density (DEXA) scan, blood tests such as vitamin D and calcium, and spine X-rays if a fracture is suspected.

  4. 04

    Your plan

    Calcium and vitamin D, bone medicines when needed, safe strength and balance exercise, and fall prevention.

  5. 05

    After a fracture

    Pain management, bracing advice when needed and rehab to get moving again.

The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for you after examining you.

Before and after your visit

How to prepare

  • Bring any DEXA scan, X-rays and blood reports
  • Bring a list of medicines, including calcium, vitamin D and steroids
  • Note any past fractures and falls

After your visit

You leave with a written plan, home exercises and a review date. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.

When to get help urgently

Medical emergency

Call 108 or 112 or go to an emergency department after a fall if you cannot stand or bear weight, have severe hip, back or wrist pain, a limb that looks out of shape, or new weakness or numbness in the legs.

Common questions

Can osteoporosis be reversed?

Bone strength can improve with medicines, exercise and good nutrition, and the risk of fracture can come down. The doctor will explain what to expect in your case.

Is exercise safe with osteoporosis?

Yes, the right kind is. Strength training, walking and balance work help bones and lower fall risk. Avoid sudden twisting and bending forward with weights. The doctor will show you safe movements.

Is calcium enough on its own?

Usually not. Calcium and vitamin D are important, but many people also need bone medicines, exercise and fall prevention.

What is a DEXA scan?

A quick, low-radiation scan that measures bone density, usually at the hip and spine. It helps decide whether you need treatment.

Can men get osteoporosis?

Yes. It is less common than in women but often missed. Men over 50 with risk factors or a fracture from a minor fall should be checked.

Sources

  1. [1]

    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical knowledge summary and guidance on osteoporosis. assessing the risk of fragility fracture (CG146)

  2. [2]

    Indian Menopause Society clinical practice guidelines on postmenopausal osteoporosis

  3. [3]

    International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on osteoporosis and fracture risk

This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.

Book a consultation

Tell us where it hurts. We plan the way back.

Start with one consultation. Choose a clinic visit or a video consult, and the team confirms your time by phone or WhatsApp.

Prefer to call? +91 79048 42576

  1. 1

    You send a request

    Online, on WhatsApp or by phone.

  2. 2

    We confirm a time

    By phone or WhatsApp, for the clinic or a video consult.

  3. 3

    You meet your doctor

    Bring your reports and wear loose clothes.