Osteoporosis is often called the “silent condition” because it develops slowly and usually has no symptoms until a bone breaks. It affects over 3 million people in the UK, making bones weaker and more likely to fracture—even after a minor fall or bump. Common fracture sites include the hip, spine, and wrist, and these injuries can lead to long-term pain and loss of independence.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis itself doesn’t cause pain, but signs that may indicate weakened bones include:
- Sudden or severe back pain
- Loss of height
- A curved spine (stooped posture)
Often, the first sign is a broken bone after a low-impact incident.
Risk Factors
There’s no single cause, but several factors increase your risk:
- Age – risk rises after 50
- Gender – more common in women, especially after menopause
- Family history – parental hip fracture or osteoporosis
- Low body weight
- Medical conditions – rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, Crohn’s disease
- Medications – long-term steroid use
- Lifestyle – smoking, heavy drinking, low physical activity, poor diet lacking calcium and vitamin D
Get Support at Health on the High Street
If you’d like advice on bone health or osteoporosis, join us on Wednesday 26 November, 10am–2pm at Alton Assembly Rooms for Health on the High Street.
We’ll have a representative from the Royal Osteoporosis Society offering guidance, support, and information about keeping your bones strong and reducing your risk.
Alongside this, you can access a wide range of services:
- NHS App help
- Warm Hub – free hot drinks in a friendly space
- Mind – mental health support
- Social Prescribers
- Smoke Free Hampshire
- Health Visitors (10–11:30)
- FEDCAP
- MHA arm band exercise class (12–12:30)
- Dementia Friendly Alton
- Ukrainian Social Group (12–14:00)
- Flu and COVID vaccinations
Drop in, have a chat, and make the most of this community event designed to support your health and wellbeing.
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