Bone Health: Don’t Wait for the First Fracture

AI-generated illustration showing how weakened bones can fracture more easily.

Your bones can gradually lose strength without causing pain or obvious symptoms. In fact, for many people, the first sign of osteoporosis is a fracture.

A fracture after a minor fall or low-impact injury—called a fragility fracture—can be an important warning sign that the bones are weaker than they should be. The hip, spine, wrist and upper arm are common sites.

But fracture risk is about more than bone density alone. Age, previous fractures, family history, falls, smoking, low body weight, certain medical conditions and medicines such as long-term steroids can all increase risk.

Tools such as FRAX can estimate fracture risk, while a DXA scan measures bone mineral density. Not everyone needs a DXA—the decision should be based on individual risk factors.

Protecting your bones means more than taking calcium. Regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise, adequate calcium and protein from a balanced diet, sufficient vitamin D, avoiding smoking, limiting excess alcohol and reducing the risk of falls all matter.

People at high fracture risk may also need specific osteoporosis medication, which can substantially reduce future fractures.

The key message: bone loss can be silent. Assessing your risk before the first fracture gives you the best opportunity to protect your bones and independence.

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