The most important thing to remember following an osteoporosis diagnosis, especially after a fracture, is that the disease entails a lifetime of managing low bone mass and devotion to round-the-clock fall prevention. Unlike an infection that clears up after a couple of days on antibiotics, the battle against osteoporosis will require constant vigilance and dedication to be controlled. And as Dr. Nayfield points out, following the treatment prescribed by one’s physician won’t produce change overnight.

“Your bones are not going to be back to normal the day after you begin therapy. It takes time to strengthen the bones again,” she said. During the period following a fall, Dr. Nayfield advises, “is an important time to look carefully at the things you can do to prevent other falls in the future, while the bones are getting stronger.”