Osteoporosis is a silent disease that many people only recognize after a sudden fracture. However, there are signs before fractures occur. The main symptoms include:
1. Pain
Chronic, unexplained back pain is the most common symptom of osteoporosis and the primary reason most patients seek medical attention. Pain typically occurs when turning over, sitting up, or after long periods of walking. Patients may experience back pain, whole-body pain, or soreness, which worsens with increased load and can limit activity. Chronic, unexplained back pain is a significant clue for diagnosing osteoporosis. Medical research shows that pain occurs after 12% of bone mass is lost.
2. Height Loss or Spinal Deformity
Severe osteoporosis can lead to height loss and spinal deformities like kyphosis. Spinal deformities change the body's load-bearing line, increasing pain in the spine and lower limb joints. As bone mass decreases, the height of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs declines, shortening the spine by 5 to 10 centimeters, resulting in height reduction. Elderly patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures, height loss of 3 centimeters (or 2 centimeters within a year), or kyphosis are key indicators for diagnosing osteoporosis.
3. Frequent Muscle Cramps
Leg and foot cramps are primarily due to abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
4. Fragility Fractures
Osteoporosis makes bones brittle, and even minor external pressure can cause fractures. These fractures commonly occur in the upper limbs, radius, lumbar spine, and proximal femur, accounting for about 30% of osteoporosis cases. When 20% of bone mass is lost, fractures can occur at any time.