Are Your Bones Healthy? Osteoporosis Risk Factors & Treatment Options

Our bodies constantly change as we age, and our bones are no different. 

While we think of bones as the sturdy, unchanging structure of our body, bones are actually active, living tissue. Bones constantly break down weaker tissue and create new tissue to take its place. 

As we age, our bone loss may outpace the creation of new bone. This condition is called osteoporosis and increases your risk of bone fractures. 

In this article, we will explore the basics of osteoporosis, including: 

• Causes & Risk Factors 
• Symptoms
• Treatment Options 

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and become brittle, increasing the likelihood of breaking a bone even during a routine activity. 

People with osteoporosis may not experience any symptoms, and the condition may not even be diagnosed until a fracture occurs.

An osteoporotic fracture occurs in situations where healthy people would not usually break a bone, such as coughing or bending over to pick up a box. The hip, wrist, and back are especially susceptible to osteoporotic fractures, which can cause significant pain that impacts your active lifestyle. 

Our Bone Specialists Are Ready to Care for You. Call (478) 745-4206 Today!

Who is at Risk for Developing Osteoporosis?

While some may think of osteoporosis as a condition primarily affecting older women, the disease can impact both men and women. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 out of 2 women over 50 and 1 out of 4 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. 

This is why OrthoGeorgia recommends the following people be screened for osteoporosis: 

• Women over 65
• Post-menopausal women less than 65 years old at high risk (see risk factors below) 
• Men over 70

Let’s take a look at some of the risk factors for developing osteoporosis: 

• Age & Sex: As you age, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, but men are still at risk. 
• Family History: Do you have a parent or a sibling who’s been diagnosed with osteoporosis? If so, then you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis. 
• Hormone Levels: Your hormones impact your bone health. You are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis if you have a history of thyroid problems or other hormonal/gland imbalances.  
• Diet: If you’ve had a long-term calcium deficiency, you may be at increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.  
• Preexisting Conditions: If you’ve had cancer, liver disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, you may be at an increased risk for osteoporosis. 
• Lifestyle: Using tobacco, abusing alcohol, or living a sedentary lifestyle can increase your chance of bone loss. 

How Can OrthoGeorgia Treat Osteoporosis? 

OrthoGeorgia’s dedicated Bone Health Clinic helps women and men in Central Georgia maintain bone density and enjoy an active lifestyle. We take a proactive approach to maintaining your bone health, and our mission is to: 

• Reduce your bone fracture risk
• Accelerate healing
• Prevent subsequent fractures
• Break the fragility cycle

What to Expect When You Visit our Bone Health Clinic 

The OrthoGeorgia team takes pride in providing individualized attention and service to each patient. We want our patients to continue enjoying their active lifestyle, and we’re committed to helping them achieve their health goals.  

You can expect the following when you visit our Bone Health Clinic: 

• An extensive bone health evaluation
• Osteoporosis education
• Tailored treatment plan
• Medication management
• Fall prevention education

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your treatment plan may include the following: 

• Medications to slow bone loss and stimulate bone formation
• Nutritional supplements
• Lifestyle modification education
• Physical activity and exercise program

DEXA Scans

As part of our diagnosis process for osteoporosis, you may have a DEXA scan, which stands for Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. OrthoGeorgia’s GE Lunar DEXA scanner is located at our Macon office. 

This scan is considered the “gold-standard” for osteoporosis diagnoses, as it measures your bone mineral density (BMD) and shows changes over time. DEXA is a fast, convenient, and precise way to determine your risk of bone fractures. The data can also help our team determine the best treatment plan for you. 

You can learn more about our DEXA scan here. 

Trust the Orthopaedic Experts at OrthoGeorgia! 

It’s time to get back to doing what you love! 

Aging shouldn’t mean we no longer enjoy an active lifestyle. The team at OrthoGeorgia serves patients of all ages throughout the state. 

Since our founding more than 60 years ago, Georgia’s elite athletes and weekend warriors have relied on us to provide cutting-edge orthopaedic care. 

Our elite team of specialists, surgeons, and occupational and physical therapists are the go-to choice for people in Georgia seeking to enjoy an active life free from pain. 

Choose Bone Health Care that Keeps You Active. Call Us at (478) 745-4206 Today!