Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin and weak, so they break easily, even after a small fall. It is most common in women after menopause and in older men. It causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, often the wrist, hip or spine. In Afghanistan, low vitamin D from little sunlight, low calcium in the diet and many pregnancies add to the risk.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms until a bone breaks
- A broken wrist, hip or spine after a minor fall
- Sudden back pain from a collapsed spine bone
- Loss of height over time
- A stooped, bent-forward back