Can osteoporosis be prevented?

Bone is living tissue that is continually renewed. Ageing, hormonal changes, family history, some illnesses and certain medicines can shift the balance toward bone loss, so healthy habits cannot remove every cause. Prevention includes building and maintaining bone strength, finding treatable contributors such as vitamin D deficiency, and identifying low bone density before a fragility fracture occurs.

A fracture after a minor fall or routine movement can be a clue that bones are fragile. Recognising that clue matters even if the injury has already healed, because assessment may help prevent another fracture.

Include calcium-containing foods and adequate protein in a balanced diet, and discuss vitamin D testing or supplements if you have limited sun exposure, dietary restrictions or another risk factor. Weight-bearing activity and resistance exercise stimulate bone, while balance and strength training can make falls less likely. Choose exercises that suit your current mobility and fracture risk.

Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and review long-term medicines with the prescriber rather than stopping them yourself. A clinician may consider a bone-density scan based on age, previous fractures, medical history and medication use. Reduce fall hazards by improving lighting, securing loose rugs, wearing stable footwear and checking vision when it changes.

Book an assessment after a fracture caused by a minor fall, new unexplained height loss, or persistent back pain that could reflect a compressed spinal bone. Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot stand or bear weight, have severe hip or back pain, develop weakness or numbness, or lose bladder or bowel control.

Ask whether your fracture history, health conditions or medicines indicate a bone-density scan; whether calcium and vitamin D intake are suitable for you; and which strength, balance or weight-bearing exercises are safe with your current health.