Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs due to the loss of bone tissue and from a change in the bone structure over time. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, with the initial sign being a fragility bone fracture. DEXA scan (Dual-energy Xray absorptiometry) is a quick and painless test used to routinely measure bone mineral density and identify osteoporosis. Major risk factors for osteoporosis include older age individuals, menopause in women, small bone structure, previous history of fragility fracture, and family history of osteoporosis. Certain medications as well as certain endocrine and inflammatory conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, low calcium and vitamin D intake, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and eating disorders can also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
If left untreated, Osteoporosis can lead to recurrent bone fractures and significantly impact the quality of life. Early treatment is essential to prevent bone fractures and optimize bone strength and integrity.
Here at Southland Rheumatology Center, our board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Veena Nayak, and her experienced team of licensed clinicians will provide you with an individualized treatment plan for Osteoporosis, utilizing a multimodal approach that includes effective targeted medicine combined with an integrated approach of pain relieving techniques, dietary modification, and supplements, as well as exercise therapy. This will be done after a thorough evaluation of your medical history, and physical examination, and with the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic blood tests and imaging technology.
Don’t allow your osteoporosis to get in the way of your life. If you’re ready to start finding relief for the pain and loss of mobility you’re struggling with as a result of your condition, schedule your first appointment with the team at Southland Rheumatology Center today.
Osteoporosis is a condition marked by a loss of bone mass and a significant alteration in the structure of your bones, a process which occurs naturally over time as your body loses bone more quickly than it replaces it. This is a common struggle for patients who are aging, but it can affect different people at slightly different stages in their lives. Women tend to become susceptible to osteoporosis around the time of menopause, while men often struggle with bone loss closer to the age of 70.
Because osteoporosis has no symptoms in particular, it’s important to keep an eye out for certain signs as you age, including:
If you’re starting to suspect the signs of osteoporosis, don’t wait to get in touch with Dr. Nayak and her team at Southland Rheumatology Center. The sooner we begin a treatment plan, the more likely you are to avoid a fall and a fracture that can leave you with severe, chronic pain and disability.
Because the real threat of osteoporosis is the pain that is associated with bone fractures that become more frequent as your bones lose mass, treatment options are generally focused on strengthening your bones and preventing fractures from occurring in the first place.
These treatment options include:
No matter which treatment option you choose alongside your rheumatologist, physical activity will remain an important part of keeping your bones strong and preventing a dangerous fall.
As previously stated, osteoporosis becomes a concern for patients as they age, with women becoming susceptible around the time of menopause and men becoming susceptible around age 70. However, other risk factors include:
Yes! Physical therapy is an absolute essential part of your recovery, as much as any other part of your treatment plan. Our physical therapist is here to collaborate with your rheumatologist and offer you tailor-made care at every step of the way.
At Southland Rheumatology Center, we make it as simple as possible for you to get back to living your life the way you love to live it. Just use our online scheduling tool to make your appointment, and please feel free to call us at 708-283-2600 with any questions you have prior to your visit. We’re here to help.