Osteoporosis is often called the “silent bone thief” because it can weaken bones without obvious symptoms—until a fracture occurs. In this episode, we break down what osteoporosis is, why it develops, and who is most at risk. You’ll learn how bone density changes with age, how factors like menopause, family history, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency play a role, and why fractures of the wrist, hip, shoulder, and spine are the most common red flags.

We’ll also explain how doctors diagnose osteoporosis with bone density scans, the lifestyle changes that can help protect your bones, and the role of medications and physical therapy in treatment. Whether you’re looking to prevent osteoporosis or better understand your options after a diagnosis, this podcast provides clear, practical information you can use.

This podcast is based on content from OrthoEducation.com, the free, peer-reviewed website of the non-profit OrthoEducation, dedicated to creating high-quality, easy-to-understand patient education resources.