As we age, the risk of broken bones and fractures increases dramatically.  Regardless of age, people on dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant have a higher chance for fractures.  According to Dr. Daniel W. Coyne at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., several factors affect your likelihood of avoiding fractures: the density of bones, structurally strong bones, strong muscles and your balance. 
 
Treatments include keeping your Vitamin D, blood calcium and phosphorus levels in the normal range.  Regular exercise can build and maintain muscle strength and help reduce your chance of falls and fractures.  The stress and strain of exercise actually stimulates bones to get stronger. 

This article originally appeared in the September 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.