What characterizes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by brittle bones, which significantly increases the risk of fractures, even from minor falls or injuries. This condition arises when the body loses too much bone mass, makes insufficient new bone, or both. The bones become porous and fragile, making them more susceptible to breaking.

The nature of osteoporosis means that it often develops without any symptoms until a fracture occurs, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease.” As the bone density decreases, individuals may not even realize they are affected unless they experience a fracture that leads to further investigation.

Other options represent conditions or symptoms that are not directly linked to osteoporosis. Joint pain, for example, may be more related to arthritis or other joint conditions rather than being a hallmark of osteoporosis. Tumor growth refers to the presence of abnormal tissue, which does not relate to the bone density loss characteristic of osteoporosis. Inflammation of joints usually indicates an inflammatory joint disease and does not denote the bone fragility seen in osteoporosis. Thus, the defining feature of osteoporosis is indeed its impact on bone strength, leading to brittle bones.