Question

Answer the following question in detail.

Ragini, a 50-year-old office goer, suffered hair-line cracks in her right and left foot in short intervals of time. She was worried about minor jerks leading to hairline cracks in bones. Doctor explained to her why it must be happening and prescribed medicines.

• What must be the cause of Ragini's problem?
• Why has it occurred?
• What precautions she should have taken earlier?
• What care she should take in the future?

Answer 1

1. Considering Ragini’s age, she may be undergoing menopause. After menopause, oestrogen level declines resulting in lower bone density.
2. a. In this disorder, bones become porous and hence brittle. It is primarily an age-related disease and is more common in women than men. 
   b. Osteoporosis may be caused due to decreasing estrogen secretion after menopause, deficiency of vitamin D, low calcium diet, decreased secretion of sex hormones and thyrocalcitonin.
3. As age advances, bone resorption outpaces bone formation. Hence, the bones lose mass and become brittle. More calcium is lost in the urine, sweat, etc. than it is gained through diet. Thus, the prevention of disease is better than treatment by consuming an adequate amount of calcium and exercise at a young age.
4. A person with previous hairline fractures is more susceptible to the reoccurrence of fractures. Hence, Ragini needs to take her medications and supplements properly, avoid jerky movements, and maintain body weight.