The Aging Musculoskeletal System

Osteoporosis is the first thing that comes to mind when describing our patient, “An 84-year-old thin, small boned white female.” Bone production is more abundant in younger children the years before they reach puberty. As you age it takes longer for bone to form. Osteoporosis is caused when you lose bone mass quicker than new bone mass is formed. Calcium, Vitamin D, and Phosphate are needed to form bone. Insufficient amounts of these minerals can cause bones to become brittle and weak over time. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2013) “The leading cause of osteoporosis is a lack of certain hormones, particularly estrogen in women and androgen in men. Women, especially those older than 60 years of age, are frequently diagnosed with the disease. Menopause is accompanied by lower estrogen levels and increases a woman's risk for osteoporosis.” (William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, 2013) A patient with a small bone frame serves as a higher risk candidate for osteoporosis because they already have low bone mass, as they age the break down will be much quicker. As we age are hormones may become imbalanced. When estrogen is decreased in women and testosterone is decreased in men, this can cause bones to become weak. As we age, a decrease in these hormones occurs. A common example of decreased estrogen occurring is menopause in older women. When your bones become weak the risk for osteoporosis is much higher. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2013) “Cigarette smoking, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, low amounts of calcium in the diet, heavy alcohol consumption, inactive lifestyle, and use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, are also risk factors of osteoporosis.” (William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, 2013) Muscle pains, bone pains, and joint pains are common symptoms of osteoporosis. Asian and Caucasian women are at higher risk for osteoporosis. “Osteoarthritis is a joint inflammation that results from cartilage degeneration.