Osteoporosis

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones. This condition is caused by reduced bone mineral density. This can leak to brittle, fragile bones. Osteoporosis is very common; as many as 55% of people in the United States over the age of 50 have low bone density. This is a condition that does not have symptoms. The first sign of osteoporosis could be a bone fracture. It is important to speak with your Fremont physiatrist about how to avoid this condition and steps you can take to protect yourself.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Various factors can increase your risk of developing this condition, including:

• Advanced age
• Sex; women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Family history of hip fractures
• Personal history of bone fractures
• Smoking
• High alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle / lack of physical activity
• Vitamin D deficiency
• For women, low estrogen levels
• For men, low testosterone levels
• Anorexia / bulimia
• Certain medications
• Endocrine disorders
• Insufficient calcium intake

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Your doctor can determine if you may have osteoporosis by looking at your blood cell count, liver enzymes, vitamin D, calcium, and other measures. In most cases, however, osteoporosis is not diagnosed until a bone fracture—such as a hip fracture—occurs. Your physiatrist may recommend calcium and / or vitamin D supplements. Other aspects of your treatment approach may include medication, an exercise plan, and / or participation in physical therapy. See your doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) at Washington Township Medical Foundation to learn more about preventing or managing osteoporosis.