What condition is characterized by brittle bones?

Osteoporosis is the condition primarily characterized by brittle bones. It occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or doesn’t make enough bone, leading to an increased risk of fractures. This condition often develops silently over many years and is particularly common in older adults, especially postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes that affect bone density.

The bones become porous and fragile, making them more susceptible to breaks from minor falls or injuries that typically would not result in fracture in healthier bones. Understanding osteoporosis is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication to maintain bone health.

Other conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and spinal stenosis may involve discomfort and other symptoms related to the joints or spinal structures but do not specifically involve the brittleness of bones in the same way that osteoporosis does.