Osteopenia is a condition that causes the body to lose bone mass. As time passes, people also develop significant calcium deficiency, leading to several complications, like weak and brittle bones. Because of these complications, those with osteopenia need to take certain precautions, like eating bone-strengthening foods and avoiding activities that increase the risk of a fall. Visiting a healthcare professional is also important to manage the symptoms and get better.

Signs and symptoms
Often, most patients with osteopenia usually show no signs or symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose unless one has a bone mineral test. One may also have a fracture or a series of fractures in their spine and not know about them. One way for healthcare professionals to determine whether they have osteopenia is to identify the top symptoms of a spinal fracture, including severe back pain, loss of height, pain in the back when bending or twisting, a curved or stooped shape to the spine, and back pain that gets worse when standing or walking but improves when one lies down.

Treatment options
If an expert can determine the development of osteopenia, they may recommend the following treatment options:

1. Prescriptions
If one has already broken a bone, a healthcare expert may recommend various prescriptions to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and prevent further fractures. Each prescription will work differently for an individual.

• Some prescription treatment options can help slow the body’s natural process of breaking down bones. One can keep the level of bone they have or get a small boost in bone density. These management options might be indicated specifically to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The prescription for osteopenia might need to be taken once a week or once a month. However, an expert may also recommend options that must be administered intravenously once a year.
• Another treatment option may act like a hormone made by the parathyroid glands. Therefore, it could help the body make new bones. Other prescriptions may help prevent and treat osteoporosis while reducing the chance of getting breast cancer.
• Some of the latest effective ways to treat osteopenia include introducing a specific modern prescription to one’s body intravenously every month at the doctor’s office. One should note that such procedures are done at the doctor’s office and are limited to one year of treatment.

One should note that each prescription has its own associated risks and potential side effects. Also, after one stops taking a bone-build prescription, one may need other treatments to maintain new bone growth. Therefore, one should speak with a healthcare expert about how they might affect the body upon administration. An individual could also speak to the doctor about recent recommended treatments and tests that may help detect, prevent, treat, or manage osteopenia.

2. Hormone replacement therapy
This form of therapy may help prevent the loss of bone in women. It is typically used for women with a high risk of fractures who cannot take other prescriptions for osteoporosis. Women considering hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, could consider the option useful in improving bone health. However, the therapy might come with side effects, such as blood clots in the legs and lungs, and also carry other health problems. Therefore, one must discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy before the procedure is carried out.

3. Other management options
In addition to the treatment options mentioned above, a healthcare professional may also recommend at-home management options to address osteopenia.

• Eating nutritious meals
  One of the top ways to manage osteopenia is to eat nutritious meals, specifically foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. A few options include cheese, milk, and yogurt. Various types of breads, cereals, and orange juice might also be abundant in these properties. Other foods include broccoli, spinach, dried beans, and wild freshwater salmon.
• Working out
  Healthcare professionals may recommend various exercises to help an individual manage their condition. Walking, running, or jumping rope for about 30 minutes daily should help strengthen the bones if one has osteopenia. One can also practice weight-bearing exercises. Even a small increase in one’s density can help reduce the risk of fractures as one grows older. A healthcare professional may also recommend one to strength train for at least three days a week. One of the most common routines for older adults could include safe walking, which can reduce the risk of falls and help keep the muscles active.
• Practicing self-care techniques
  One should ensure they practice self-care techniques to help prevent falls, as falls are common causes of fractures in those with lower bone density. One should ensure their home has ample lighting, install railing on stairs, get rid of tripping hazards, such as small furniture pieces, rugs, and other items that are out of place, treat slippery surfaces immediately, including cleaning up spills, snow, and ice, and install nonskid rugs on floors.