If we detect osteoporosis early, we can prevent broken bones by rebuilding and fortifying your skeletal system. So getting checked is crucial.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle enough that they become more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. This condition often progresses without any symptoms or pain until you experience a bone fracture.
There are methods to incorporate into your daily life to prevent this disease and treatments do exist.
There are no obvious symptoms for osteoporosis which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the silent disease.
There are several signs to look out for which include the following:
Everyone’s risk for osteoporosis increases as we get older. However, women have a much higher risk of developing the condition, especially postmenopausal women.
Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more tests to determine your bone’s health. They’ll most likely ask for a bone mineral density (BMD) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan will help analyze how solid the bones in your spine, hip or waist are.
Your doctor will recommend treatment options based on the risk of you breaking a bone in the future. They’ll most likely use the bone density test from the diagnosis to help them develop a treatment plan for you. If the risk isn’t high, treatment may not include a medication but modify possible risk factors to prevent future bone loss.
The most widely prescribed medications for men and women diagnosed with osteoporosis are bisphosphonates.
That can include the following:
Your doctor may recommend you denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva). This medication produces similar bone density results compared to bisphosphonates and reduces the risk of all types of fractures. This medication is administered via shot every six months.
Estrogen can be used to help maintain bone density, especially just after menopause. However, estrogen therapy can lead to a higher risk of breast cancer and blood clots. Estrogen therapy is typically used for bone health in younger women for that reason.
Your doctor may recommend raloxifene (Evista) because it mimics estrogen’s positive effects on bone density for menopausal women without the risks associated with estrogen.
For severe osteoporosis or if the most common treatments aren’t working, your doctor may recommend one of the following:
With a team of experienced rheumatologists, advanced diagnostic tools, and a commitment to ongoing support, INTEGRIS Health strives to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals living with osteoporosis. By empowering patients through education and fostering a collaborative relationship, INTEGRIS Health aims to help individuals effectively manage their condition and achieve optimal outcomes in their osteoporosis journey.
We strive to provide you with care that’s not only the best available, but care that’s convenient and as close to home as possible. These INTEGRIS Health locations near you are ready to help.
