Understanding Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis

The foundations of the body are the bones that keep us together. Even though our bones may seem like an unchanging part of us, they age just like the rest of our bodies. As we age, bone loss may outpace the creation of new bone, making the bones brittle and more likely to break. This condition of lower bone density is called osteopenia, and it can eventually develop into a more severe condition called osteoporosis. In this article, we will explore the basics of osteopenia and osteoporosis, including the similarities and differences between the two conditions, their symptoms, preventative methods, and treatment options at OrthoGeorgia to help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more!

Understanding Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a medical condition that is diagnosed when your bone density T-score is lower than the normal standard. Bone density is assessed using a DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, with osteopenia having a range between -1.0 and -2.5. This extremely common condition occurs with aging and affects nearly half of Americans over the age of 50. It often causes no significant symptoms and is usually discovered following a fracture. Without medical intervention and healthy lifestyle changes, osteopenia can worsen, with your bone density T-score continuing to drop. Osteopenia serves as a warning sign to help you take action before the development of osteoporosis. 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed when a person’s bone density T-score drops below -2.5, causing the bones to weaken and become even more brittle. This increases the likelihood of breaking a bone even during a routine, low-impact activity. Osteoporosis is a severe version of osteopenia where symptoms have more of an effect on your everyday life and overall health. Because osteoporosis causes bones to break down faster than they can rebuild, you have a higher chance of a fracture in situations where healthy people would not usually break a bone, such as intense coughing or bending over to pick up a box. Areas most susceptible to osteoporotic fractures include the hips, wrists, and back.

Are Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Related to Osteoarthritis?

At a glance, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, and osteoporosis may seem related, as their causes, symptoms, and names are very similar. Unlike osteopenia and osteoporosis, osteoarthritis is an inflammatory medical condition that causes the cartilage cap at the end of the bones in your joints to wear away. Joint pain from osteoarthritis can affect many areas of the body, including the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint pain and aches
• Joint stiffness after waking in the morning
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling in the affected joint(s)

What are the Symptoms of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia Symptoms

Since osteopenia is a mild case of weakened bones, the symptoms are not very noticeable. Doctors often consider it a “silent” disease. With that being said, some possible symptoms that can point to osteopenia include:

• Mild back pain 
• Gradual decrease of height 
• Stooped posture
• Low-impact fractures from minor falls and accidents 
• Weight loss from hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid that accelerates your metabolism 

Osteoporosis Symptoms

As osteopenia progresses, your bones can progressively weaken, leading to the development of osteoporosis. Even though symptoms become more noticeable, you may not be aware that you have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. Symptoms that may indicate osteoporosis before a fracture include:

• Pain in the ribs, hips, and spine 
• Weakened grip strength 
• Weak and brittle nails 
• Receding gums 
• Intense, consistent back pain
• More severely stooped posture 

Who is at the Highest Risk of Bone Loss?

While older women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, the disease can impact both men and women. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 out of 2 women over 50 and 1 out of 4 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. We recommend that the following people be screened for osteoporosis in order to support their overall orthopedic health.

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

Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include: 

• 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 sibling who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis? If so, then you are at an increased risk for the condition. 
• 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 Osteopenia Leads to Osteoporosis

Osteopenia leads to osteoporosis when proactive steps are not taken following the initial diagnosis. Without medical intervention, bone loss will continue and accelerate to outpace the creation of new bone. As the bones continue to thin, their structural integrity decreases and makes fractures even more likely. A diagnosis of osteopenia should be a sign for you to seek orthopedic care and make necessary changes to strengthen your bones and your overall orthopedic health.

How to Prevent Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Diet Changes

Paying attention to what you eat can play a significant role in your long-term bone health. To support positive bone density, try adding more calcium and Vitamin D to your diet. High-calcium foods include most dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Foods high in vitamin D include eggs and oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. 

Exercise and Strength Training

There are many exercises that are great for your health, but when it comes to your bones, it is important to challenge and build up your strength with weight-bearing activities.  In your workout plan, make sure to include some strength training and consistently include low-impact movements, such as running and walking. 

Prescription & Medication Consultation

There are several medications that can increase your risk of bone loss, including corticosteroids, SSRIs, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). Be proactive in preserving your bone health by discussing any medications you take with your orthopedic specialist. They will advise you on how to manage your current medications while supporting your bone health.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Treatment at OrthoGA

At OrthoGeorgia, our dedicated Bone Health Clinic helps patients of all ages in Central Georgia maintain a healthy bone density and enjoy an active lifestyle. We take a proactive approach to bone health, upholding our mission 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 lifestyles, and we’re committed to helping them achieve their health goals via personalized orthopedic care. 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 programs

DEXA Scans in Central GA at OrthoGeorgia

As part of the diagnostic process for osteoporosis, your doctor may order a DEXA scan, which stands for Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. OrthoGeorgia’s GE Lunar DEXA scanner is conveniently located at our Macon office. This test 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. 

Personalized Orthopedic Care in Central Georgia

Aging is a natural process that we all have to go through, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. OrthoGeorgia is here to get you back to doing what you love without fear of a fracture. Our dedicated orthopedic specialists, surgeons, and occupational and physical therapists work together to create personalized treatment plans for patients dealing with osteopenia and osteoporosis. For over 60 years, Georgia’s elite athletes and weekend warriors have relied on us to provide cutting-edge orthopedic care, making us your go-to choice for the care you deserve. We understand that a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis can be worrying, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can effectively rebuild bone and prevent fractures. Choose bone health care that keeps you active. Call OrthoGeorgia at (478) 280-5472, press “2” then ext. “755” to get started with a member of our bone health team today. We look forward to working with you!