DIETOTHERAPY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporoza je najčešća bolest kostiju koju karakterizira smanjena koštana masa i poremećena struktura, kao i nedostatna mineralizacija, što rezultira smanjenjem njezine čvrstoće i elastičnosti te povećanjem mogućnosti učestalosti prijeloma. Osteoporoza se naziva „tihom epidemijom“ jer je riječ o bolesti bez tipične boli čiji su simptomi neprimjetni do prvog prijeloma. Rizični su čimbenici za nastanak osteoporoze: geni, poremećaj prehrane, rana menopauza kod žena, bolesti, lijekovi, način života i prehrana. Osteoporozu je moguće liječiti farmakološki i nefarmakološki. Farmakološkim liječenjem pokušava se djelovati na usporavanje gubitka koštanog tkiva te samim time na smanjenje mogućnosti prijeloma. Nefarmakološko liječenje podrazumijeva pravilnu prehranu i tjelesnu aktivnost. Pojedinim namirnicama moguće je poboljšati ili pogoršati tijek bolesti. Stoga je neupitna važnost prehrane kako bi se smanjio rizik nastanka osteoporoze ili spriječio daljnji razvoj bolesti. Od velike su važnosti i tjelesna aktivnost te fizioterapijski postupci kojima se postiže elastičnost kostiju te poboljšava njihova čvrstoća, a samim time i smanjuju lomovi kostiju. Od iznimne važnosti je edukacija radi povećanja znanja o uzrocima i čimbenicima osteoporoze, radi prikaza vrijednosti ranog otkrivanja i prevencije osteoporoze te otkrivanja načina liječenja koje daje najbolje rezultate. Cilj je ovoga rada predstaviti osteoporozu te rizične čimbenike ključne za njezin nastanak. Isto tako, i prikazati načine dijagnosticiranja i liječenja. Jedan od osnovnih načina prevencije i ublažavanja simptoma osteoporoze je prehrana. Stoga je cilj rada prikazati važnost dijetoterapije i važnost tjelesne aktivnosti, kinezioloških tretmana te elektroterapije, magnetoterapije i masaže.Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deformities, as well as insufficient mineralization, combination of which leads to a significant decrease in bone firmness and elasticity, followed by an increase in fracture frequency. Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent epidemic” because it is a disease without any typical pain pattern and its symptoms are often overlooked up until the first fracture. Risk factors for developing osteoporosis are: genetic heritage, eating disorders, early menopause, other comorbidities, some drugs, lifestyle and diet. Osteoporosis can be treated pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically. Pharmacological treatment slows down bone tissue degradation, and consequently, reduces the risk of bone fractures. Non-pharmacological treatment is based on a well balanced diet and physical activity. Certain foods can affect the course of the disease negatively or positively, so the importance of nutrition has an unquestionable role in the reduction of risk for developing osteoporosis and the management of the course of the disease. Physical activity and physiotherapeutic methods are extremely important when it comes to restoring bone elasticity and firmness. Education is also essential when it comes to raising awareness about the causes and risk factors for osteoporosis, about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, and, most importantly, about the best ways to manage this disease. The goal of this paper is to introduce osteoporosis and risk factors crucial for this disease, as well as presenting different diagnostic and treatment methods. One of main prevention and symptome reduction methodes for osteoporosis is proper diet. These are all reasons for including dietary instructions and the importance of physical activity, kinesiological treatments and electrotherapy, magnetotheraphy and massages in this paper