What should be done for persistent pain in elderly patients with osteoporosis?

As people age, their bones become less healthy than in youth, and bone mass gradually declines. If calcium supplementation is neglected at this stage, the risk of osteoporosis significantly increases. For older adults, once osteoporosis develops, it can adversely affect daily life and work. So, what should be done if an elderly person with osteoporosis experiences persistent pain?

What to Do When an Elderly Person with Osteoporosis Experiences Persistent Pain

Persistent pain in elderly patients with osteoporosis can be alleviated through pharmacological treatment and physical therapies. Initially, oral medications—including calcium supplements, active vitamin D, and bisphosphonates—should be administered to inhibit osteoclast activity, promote increased bone mineral density, and control disease progression. If necessary, calcitonin or synthetic peptide hormones may also be prescribed, as these agents offer enhanced anti-osteoporotic effects. For pronounced pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sustained-release ibuprofen capsules or meloxicam tablets may be used, providing effective pain relief to a certain extent.

Elderly patients with osteoporosis should opt for calcium supplements fortified with vitamin D. When selecting calcium preparations, always check whether vitamin D has been added; this ingredient significantly enhances calcium absorption and utilization, thereby more effectively improving osteoporosis. When choosing calcium tablets, patients should verify the elemental calcium content: the higher the elemental calcium content, the better the quality of the supplement—and the greater the amount of absorbable calcium available to the body.

In daily life, maintain a regular, balanced diet—avoid spicy or highly stimulating foods, overeating, and late-night activities. We hope this information proves helpful.