Top causes of increased bone density

Bone mineral density is a crucial factor in identifying osteoporosis and the risk of fractures.Usually, low bone density is related to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. However, high bone density can also signal increased fracture risks or underlying comorbidities.

Here we discuss some of the top causes of increased bone density and its prevalence.

• MYELOFIBROSIS

Myelofibrosis is a rare form of chronic leukemia in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. Myelofibrosis is more likely to be diagnosed in older people above the age of 50.

What are the symptoms of Myelofibrosis?

It is quite likely that a person suffering from Myelofibrosis may not have any symptoms for several years, especially during the early stage of the illness. However, some of the symptoms that might occur during the disorder are Anemia, unexplained blood clots, weight loss, abnormal bleeding, pale skin, bone or joint pain, and portal hypertension.

• SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease is a red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin.Your red blood cells are crescent or sickle-shaped in sickle cell disease, unlike disc-shaped in a representative body. These sickle-shaped blood cells make it difficult for your blood to flow through blood vessels. Sickle cell diseases are likely to lead to many complications, including osteoporosis and growth arrest of long bones.

What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?

Since sickle cell disease is inherited, the symptoms start appearing at about five months of age.The symptoms of sickle cell disease include anemia, frequent infections, swelling of hands and feet, delayed puberty, and vision problems.

• METASTASES

Metastases are commonly developed when cancerous cells spread to new areas of the body by entering the lymphatic system. Bone is a common site of metastasis in patients who have breast cancer and prostate cancer. Bone metastatic disease can largely decrease patients' quality of life due to pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression.

What are the symptoms of Metastases?

It is best to diagnose metastases by consulting a cancer surgeon as bone metastasis shows no prior signs. However, some of the symptoms when cancer has spread to the bone are weakness in the legs or arms, increased calcium levels in the body leading to nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc.

• RENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY

Renal Osteodystrophy occurs in patients with chronic kidney diseases and causes alteration of bone morphology. In patients suffering from kidney failure, an imbalance is seen in osteoclasts(cells that dissolve the bones_ and osteoblasts(cells that form the bones) due to an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D.

What are the symptoms of renal osteodystrophy?

Renal osteodystrophy is often referred to as silent crippler as no significant signs are witnessed. However, some of the typical symptoms can be poor mobility, joint pain, red eyes, and bone pain.

• PAGET'S DISEASE

Paget's disease is a bone disease that interferes with the body's normal bone recycling process where new bone tissues replace old bone tissues. This disease causes new bone faster and produces weaker bones than normal bones leading to fractures and other deformities.

What are the symptoms of Paget's Disease?

The symptoms of Paget's disease depend on the affected part of the body. Paget's disease in the pelvis can cause hip pain, hearing loss, and headaches if the disease is in the skull region. If your spine is affected, it can cause pain and numbness in the arms and legs.

• SYSTEMIC MASTOCYTOSIS

In systemic mastocytosis, mast cells are accumulated in internal tissues and organs like bone marrow. This disease is typically diagnosed in adults and usually is diffused, affecting the spine and epiphysis of long bones.

What are the symptoms of Systemic Mastocytosis?

Some of the symptoms of systematic mastocytosis include itching of the skin, Anemia, bleeding disorders, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• FLUOROSIS

Fluorosis is caused due to overexposure to fluoride during the initial eight years. The disease leads to diffuse osteosclerosis, particularly ribs and spine. Fluoride increases bone mineral density and causes decreased mechanical strength due to atypical mineralization.

What are the symptoms of Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition of teeth, and symptoms can range from unnoticeable white specks on teeth to dark brown stains.

• PYKNODYSOSTOSIS

Pyknodysostosis is a rare genetic disorder that results in abnormal hardening and increased density of the bone. Individuals suffering from Pyknodysostosis are likely to witness an increased frequency of fractures and decreased growth.

What are the symptoms of Pyknodysostosis?
Since it is a rare disease, the symptoms are not common. However, some of the signs include small and stubby fingers, absence of fingernails, lower back pain, and respiratory issues due to deformities of chest development.

• HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

Hyperparathyroidism causes the body to produce an excess of PTH (parathyroid hormone). PTH controls the levels of calcium in bones and blood. Hyperparathyroidism causes the body to take calcium from your bones and making them brittle.

What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism may or may not show symptoms, depending on the severity of the disease. Some of them are tiredness, constipation, loss of appetite, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and bone pain.