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Health

Soft bones?

(35 Posts)
Foxglove77 Fri 01-Aug-25 18:03:00

I'm 63 and have unfortunately broken my right wrist. I was knocked over by my daughters horse who spooked on a windy day. I went flying and landed heavily on my hands. My right wrist was broken at a right angle.

Ive never broken a bone before now. The surgeon said it was a severe break and fitted a metal plate and screws.

Since the op I've been re-xrayed and told I have soft bones. Ive always considered myself healthy, living an outdoor life and this has shocked me.

I'm taking a vitamin D supplement now but wonder if I should get a blood test with my GP?

Cath9 Fri 08-Aug-25 16:04:45

Hi Foxglove 77
It sounds as if you had a hard knock. I broke my wrist when falling down the stairs and also had to have a plate added. Now one would not know I broke my wrist as there is only a small lump that one can only vaguely notice.

As for your soft bones, you are correct in taking vitamin D but try adding one with calcium also.
I have had osteoporosis for many years now but still able to climb up a steep hill while on my daily walk. I do have to have an injection every ,6 months.
Take care
Cath

WoodLane7 Fri 08-Aug-25 16:10:22

You will likely receive an appt for a bone density scan; I broke my wrist about 5 years ago, bone density scan revealed I had Osteopenia (the stage prior to Osteoporosis), I have taken Alendronic Acid ever since and whilst I am still osteopenic it has reversed it to some extent; ie I was previously halfway along the scale between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, now I am only just over the line between Osteopenia and normal

dogsmother Fri 08-Aug-25 16:27:04

Sorry for you Foxglove. I’m another with osteoporosis, you’d never guess to look at me I’m sure. It’s from years of thyroid medication and occasional steroids for my chest. I had a fracture of my ankle which occasioned a dexa scan.
I walk a lot and try to skip. I tale calciD tablets and something called Raloxifene. Hopefully you can get a Dexa scan to sort this out properly.

Allsorts Fri 08-Aug-25 16:31:56

You need a bone density test and an appointment with a consultant.

Pip4 Fri 08-Aug-25 17:09:50

I am 69. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Hypophosphatasia. It is a rare genetic, metabolic disease with many varying symptoms including ‘softer bones’, similar to osteoporosis but not the same. It has been a struggle as some people do not always experience symptoms. Others have a few problems. My teeth have been terrible since my youth and cost me a fortune in dentistry! I have broken 8 bones and have had calcium leaking from bone in my foot causing disability. However, panic and misinformation don’t help. Soft bones as a term is too loosely used in relation to breakages. A blood test is part of an HPP diagnosis. A referral to a regional unit is necessary. Regular DEXA scans are necessary. I take vit D and calcium and other treatment. Osteoporosis is more likely than HPP and we women are more prone to that. Hence women over the menopause break bones when they fall. Soft bones should not ever be a casual reference because for some like me, Soft Bones is a thing. Because I have had a proper diagnosis and assessment for the condition. So sorry for the babbling! I love Gransnet. So many lovely people. Thank you!

Milliedog Fri 08-Aug-25 18:01:10

I had a dexa scan years ago which revealed osteoporosis in my spine and one hip and osteopeania in the other hip. I took alendronic acid for a few years but stopped it as I hated it and was worried about jaw bone necrosis. The specialist wanted to give me stronger medication via an infusion, but the appointment didn't come through and I went off the idea. May I suggest that everyone who has osteoporosis has a simple blood test to rule out coeliac disease? Many people have osteoporosis because they are coeliac. Being coeliac means you don't absorb vitamins and minerals as you should. A strict gluten free diet means you will absorb vitamains and minerals more efficiently and won't be at extra risk of cancer etc.....

Mocar Fri 08-Aug-25 21:04:06

Diet also part of the equation - alkalising and acidifying foods
The website Save Our Bones is definitely worth checking out - useful short newsletters on latest research, exercises and nutrition info/recipes.

Allira Fri 08-Aug-25 21:21:20

Milliedog
Yes, very good advice.

Etoile2701 Sun 10-Aug-25 11:28:08

I sympathise. I broke my right wrist two years ago at the age of 77. Like you it was a severe break and I had to have surgery, and all is well now. Nobody mentioned soft bones and I wonder if I have them as 11 years ago I had a bad fall and broke three bones in my left arm requiring surgery.