Osteoporosis

25 Oct

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones that become fragile and more prone to fractures. The disease occurs when bone density decreases, leading to brittle bones that are more susceptible to breaks from minor falls or even normal activities like bending or coughing. Osteoporosis most commonly affects the hips, spine, and wrists but can impact any bone in the body. As the bones weaken, the risk of fractures increases, which can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and managing osteoporosis, helping patients maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone mass or when bone production decreases. This results in porous, fragile bones that are more likely to break. In healthy bones, new bone is continuously being formed while old bone is broken down. However, in individuals with osteoporosis, this balance is disrupted, and the bone is lost faster than it is replaced.

Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs gradually, and symptoms may not appear until a fracture occurs. For this reason, many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they experience a broken bone, particularly in the hips, spine, or wrists.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when bone loss outpaces bone formation, leading to weakened bones. Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, including:

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why it is known as the “silent disease.” However, as bone density continues to decrease, the risk of fractures increases, and symptoms may start to appear. Common signs and symptoms of osteoporosis include:

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing osteoporosis involves a thorough assessment of your bone health, including a review of your medical history, risk factors, and bone density measurements.

1. Bone Density Test (DXA Scan): A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is the most common test used to diagnose osteoporosis. This painless scan measures bone mineral density, typically in the hip and spine, to determine how strong your bones are. The results are compared to the bone density of a healthy young adult, and a T-score is provided to indicate whether you have osteoporosis.

2. Medical History and Risk Factor Assessment: The doctor will evaluate your medical history, lifestyle, family history, and any medications you may be taking to assess your risk of developing osteoporosis.

3. Physical Examination: The doctor may perform a physical examination to check for signs of spinal curvature, height loss, or bone tenderness that could indicate fractures.

4. Additional Tests: In some cases, additional blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying conditions or nutrient deficiencies, such as calcium or vitamin D levels, that could contribute to bone loss.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

Treatment for osteoporosis at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on slowing the progression of bone loss, improving bone density, and preventing fractures. A combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended based on the severity of the condition.

1. Lifestyle Changes:

2. Medications:

3. Surgical Treatments: Surgery is not commonly used to treat osteoporosis itself but may be required to repair fractures caused by osteoporosis. Surgical options include:

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from osteoporosis treatment depends on the severity of bone loss and whether fractures have occurred. For patients undergoing lifestyle changes and medication therapy, improvements in bone density can take several months to a year, with regular monitoring through bone density scans.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a complete recovery and helping them maintain strong, healthy bones.

Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Osteoporosis?

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive care for patients with osteoporosis, providing both preventive strategies and advanced treatment options. Our team of orthopedic specialists is dedicated to helping patients maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and improve their overall quality of life. Whether you need lifestyle advice, medication management, or surgical intervention, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through every step of your osteoporosis care.