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When this condition occurs in children it’s called juvenile osteoporosis. This rare condition is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, certain medication used to treat a medical condition, or lifestyle factors such as.

This is known as secondary osteoporosis

Less commonly, osteoporosis will occur for an unknown reason.

This is known as idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis

Our bones are living tissue that is constantly growing, rebuilding, replacing and repairing. From the time we’re born, to about 25 years of age, we build more bone than we lose. This helps us grow and develop strong skeletons that will support us throughout our lives.

In children with juvenile osteoporosis, this process is altered. Not enough bone is built, or too much bone is lost, or it could be a combination of both of these. Bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily.

, however it can occur at any age. In most cases, juvenile osteoporosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, certain medications used to treat a medical condition or a lifestyle factor. Causes include: – children who are bedridden or have prolonged periods of immobility are at increased risk of juvenile osteoporosis because they’re unable to participate in may also lead to juvenile osteoporosis.

Juvenile osteoporosis is usually diagnosed after a child has broken a bone. Diagnosis may include:

  • Sometimes no underlying cause can be found. In these rare cases
  • the condition is called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis

A child with this condition tends to have symptoms such as pain in the lower back, hips and feet, often accompanied by difficulty walking, and spinal deformities. Generally, idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis tends to resolve by itself, and most children will experience a complete recovery of bone tissue.

However, in some children disability may extend into adulthood.

The reason for this is unknown

Throughout childhood, we’re building up our peak bone mass, which is achieved before the age of 30. The more bone mass we have, the stronger our bones, and the lower the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Without treatment, juvenile osteoporosis can affect bone integrity and increase the child’s risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures later in life.

That’s why diagnosing and treating juvenile osteoporosis as soon as possible is so important. In most cases, juvenile osteoporosis can be treated. Treatment depends on the cause but may include:

  • from the sun so it’s important your child’s skin (hands face
  • arms) is exposed to the sun for five to ten minutes every day in the warmer months (avoiding the hottest period of the day)
  • about 30 minutes in the cooler months

There are recommendations for the amount of safe sun exposure for sufficient vitamin D production, depending on your child’s skin type, geographical location in United States and the season. For most people, it‘s unlikely that adequate quantities of vitamin D will be obtained through diet alone.

If you’re not sure if your child is getting enough vitamin D, talk with your doctor ), or in severe juvenile osteoporosis to encourage bone strength.

Discuss medication options with your doctor

Tel: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones poor diet and lack of exercise Our bones Osteoporosis is more common in older people, especially in postmenopausal women Causes of juvenile osteoporosis medical conditions – including juvenile idiopathic arthritis , osteogenesis imperfecta, diabetes , kidney disease , hyperthyroidism , Cushing’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease , cystic fibrosis and anorexia nervosa medication – such as some types of cancer treatments, anticonvulsant medication (used to manage epilepsy ) or corticosteroids (used to treat a wide range of conditions including arthritis and asthma ) lifestyle factors weight-bearing activities that encourage bone density.

Inadequate dietary intake, smoking and alcohol Diagnosing juvenile osteoporosis medical history physical examination medical histories of family members to find out if a genetic disorder is the cause a bone scan – dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to test bone density blood tests Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis Long-term risks of osteoporosis in children Treating juvenile osteoporosis diagnosing and treating an underlying medical condition changing medication – if this is the cause, your doctor may lower the dose or prescribe a different medication encouraging your child to take part in regular and appropriate exercise – talk with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist about creating an exercise program that promotes bone growth, is safe and won’t cause a fracture increasing calcium in the diet – including dairy products (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt) and other sources of calcium (such as leafy green vegetables , tofu, nuts , legumes) and calcium-fortified foods (for example, soy milk).

Talk with your doctor or a dietitian if you need some advice on ways to increase calcium in your child’s diet adequate vitamin D – we obtain most of our vitamin D taking calcium and vitamin D supplements if necessary – talk to your doctor about this protecting your child against fractures – for example, by avoiding contact sports medication – may be needed to help manage symptoms (such as pain after a fracture Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Paediatrician Physiotherapist Exercise physiologist Dietitian Healthy Bones 1800 242 141 Musculoskeletal United States 1800 263 265.

Key Points

  • Less commonly, osteoporosis will occur for an unknown reason
  • Diagnosis may include: Sometimes no underlying cause can be found
  • more bone mass we have, the stronger our bones, and the lower the risk of osteoporosis later in life
  • That’s why diagnosing and treating juvenile osteoporosis as soon as possible is so important