Derek L. Hill, D.O.

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Risk Factors & Treatment of Osteoporosis

Posted on 12.24.13 | 5 Comments

treatment of osteoporosisThe risk factors and treatment of Osteoporosis is something we should all familiarize ourselves with.  According to MedLinePlus, as many as half of all women and a quarter of all men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease as it’s commonly known, occurs when our bodies don’t build new bone as fast as they remove old bone.

This causes the bones to become weak and brittle and more likely to break (definition from WebMd). And while we know how important it is to consume adequate calcium and vitamin D earlier in life, there are also some risk factors that may predispose us to the disease.

Risk Factors and Treatment of Osteoporosis

An article on WebMd.com (“Your Risk for Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures”) lists 10 risk factors for developing the disease:

  1. Early menopause and no use of supplemental estrogen
  2. Family history of a hip fracture or osteoporosis
  3. History of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, or low body weight
  4. Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
  5. Older age
  6. Past bone fractures
  7. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some digestive illnesses, and certain other diseases
  8. Smoking
  9. Steroid medicine use for a long time (for asthma or other conditions)
  10. Three or more alcoholic drinks per day

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a bone density test for:

  • Women over the age of 65
  • Men over the age of 70
  • Women and men over the age of 50 with risk factors.

Because a bone density test can detect bone loss before a fracture occurs. But what if a fracture has already occurred? Osteoporosis related fractures most commonly occur in the wrist, hip, or spine.  It may be what’s classified as a low trauma or fragility fracture. A fragility fracture is one that occurs due to a fall or bump that would not cause a break in a person with healthy bones.

In another article on WebMd (“Osteoporosis Bone Fractures: A Treatment Overview”) the author states that some fractures will heal on their own, but others will need the help of a specialist such as an orthopedic doctor, a physiatrist, a physical therapist, and/or an occupational therapist. The treatments received from these specialists may range from a splint or cast to surgery, and care after the bone has healed to help resume regular activities.

The author also recommends speaking with a doctor about pain management, including a review of all medicines currently being used to be sure nothing taken for the pain will cause dizziness and thus create a risk of falling.

A third article on WebMd offers some advice for helping a fracture to heal (“Easy Living Tips After a Fracture”). This includes such things as:

  • Staying as active as possible
  • Making your home safer by rearranging furniture as needed, securing loose rugs, and keeping a phone nearby
  • Asking for help from friends and family for such things as grocery shopping, and choose foods that require little preparation such as frozen or microwavable dinners
  • Be sure to be safe in the bathtub by using a non-slip rubber mat and a long handled sponge to reach lower legs, feet, and back.

Because it used to be thought that osteoporosis was an inevitable part of aging. But now we know that we can help lower our risk by doing things like eating right, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.  There are also a variety of treatments available and the after care has evolved as we’ve learned more about the disease. It’s no longer a given, but if it does occur it can be treated.

Written by: Tricia Doane, Rust Built, Marketing Services

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Categories: Articles Tags: bone density test, brittle bone disease, Risk Factors, webmd

Trackbacks

  1. Bone Health: Why It’s Important and How to Keep Them Strong | Derek L. Hill, D.O. says:
    January 24, 2014 at 5:05 am

    […] of us think of osteoporosis as something that happens as we age, and many of us think that it’s something that only […]

    Reply
  2. The Sunshine Vitamin & Bone Health | Derek L. Hill, D.O. says:
    February 13, 2014 at 8:04 am

    […] aged menopausal women also need vitamin D since its deficiency worsens into osteoporosis. The progressive loss of calcium and bone mass in osteoporosis, which results in brittle bones that […]

    Reply
  3. Natural Ways to Keep Bones Healthy & Strong | Derek L. Hill, D.O. says:
    April 15, 2014 at 8:01 am

    […] D deficiency can greatly increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Adding a vitamin D supplement can help you better absorb calcium and […]

    Reply
  4. 9 Steps to a Healthier Heart | Derek L. Hill, D.O. says:
    February 4, 2015 at 8:00 am

    […] If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment […]

    Reply
  5. What Are Common Knee Injuries? | Derek L. Hill, D.O. says:
    September 10, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    […] Injuries in childhood sports are common, but luckily most knee problems heal with rest and do not need intensive medical intervention such as surgery. As a general guideline, any knee injury that results in a visible deformity or inability of the athlete to put weight on the leg should be brought to the attention of a medical professional. For all other knee injuries, it is appropriate for the athlete to rest for two or three days. Elevation and ice are helpful for the first 24 to 48 hours. If the problem persists for more that a few days despite rest, seek medical treatment. […]

    Reply

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