Cymraeg
Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them more fragile and more likely to break (called fragility fractures). It affects around 3.8 million people in the UK and is a leading cause of broken bones in older adults.
Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it becomes more common after age 50. Women are affected most and 1 in 2 women will experience a fracture in their lifetime.
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Some people may lose height or develop a curved spine due to small spinal fractures, but most people are unaware of the condition until a break happen.
Fractures
Fragility fractures can happen after a simple fall or minor knock. They often cause long‑term pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. Hip fractures, in particular, carry high health risks and can be life‑changing. Once someone has had one fracture, their risk of another rises quickly, creating what’s known as a fracture cascade.
A specialist can assess your fracture risk using tools such as FRAX and arrange bone scans such as DEXA or REMS. These tests measure bone strength and help guide an individualised plan to protect your long‑term bone health.
Treatment is tailored to your needs and may include:
- Tablets (bisphosphonates): Slow bone loss; often the first treatment offered.
- Six‑monthly injections (Denosumab): Prevent bone breakdown if tablets aren’t suitable.
- Bone‑building treatments: Such as Teriparatide, Abaloparatide, or Romosozumab, used for people at higher risk to help build new, stronger bone.
How You Can Protect Your Bone Health
You can support your bones by:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and protein
- Getting safe sunlight exposure for Vitamin D
- Doing regular weight-bearing exercise suited to your ability
- Avoiding Smoking and staying within recommended Alcohol limits
- If, prescribed, taking bone strengthening medicines
- And attending your follow up appointments for monitoring
A consultant or a Healthcare professional specialising in osteoporosis will help you choose the right treatment to stay active, independent, and confident.
Signposting / additional information:
Falls Prevention
Activity and Exercise
Footwear
Self Care
Effects of Smoking
Healthy Drinking
Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
Royal Osteoporosis Society
Here you will find links to National Charities and Support Groups that may be helpful to you in managing your musculoskeletal problem.
Stories of Staying Active with Health Conditions – “We Are Undefeatable” is a collective movement supporting people with a range of long-term health conditions. The campaign is developed by 15 leading health and social care charities. Their purpose is to support and encourage finding ways to be active in a way that works for you and your health condition.”
A community of people providing support for people with arthritis across the UK. Arthritis UK provide information for people living with arthritis locally in ABUHB and across the UK, fund research into arthritis and support professionals. Arthritis UK provides help and information on arthritis, treatments and has a helpline (Monday-Friday)
Arthritis Action is the UK charity offering an integrated self-management approach, to help address the physical and mental health symptoms of living with arthritis. They provide help and advice to people living with arthritis
National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society is a charity focussed on transforming diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA. The webpage gives advice and supported self help for people living with Axial Spondyloarthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society provide information and support services for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families, friends, carers and health professionals
Pain Concern – We work to improve the lives of people living with pain and those who care for them
Acknowledgement and Declaration
The information on bone health and osteoporosis has been prepared by Dr Inderpal Singh, National Clinician Lead, Bone Health Wales. This work has been co-produced through extensive discussions and partnership working with Welsh Government colleagues, key stakeholders, patients, FFFAP Clinical Leads, the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and colleagues across Welsh Health Boards.
This content is dully aligned with the Welsh Government Quality Statement for Osteoporosis and Bone Health, and reflects shared clinical priorities across Wales.
Dr Singh gratefully acknowledges the contributions of all partners who supported the development of this material. This work has been informed by collective expertise, patient experience, national data, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
