Osteoporosis in San Antonio & Windcrest, TX
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that occurs when your bones become brittle and weak due to reductions in mass and density. Around middle age in adults, it’s common to lose bone mass faster than new bone cells form, which can lead to osteoporosis when not addressed.
What may increase my risk of osteoporosis?
Natural bone loss often develops at a slow pace. Your risk for developing osteoporosis increases due to one or more of the following:
- Low levels of calcium
- Low levels of vitamin D
- Lack of weight-bearing exercises
- Low levels of estrogen or testosterone
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Thyroid hormone imbalance
- Poor dietary habits
- Family history of osteoporosis
Women are especially at risk of osteoporosis in the first few years after menopause, as decreases in estrogen levels can cause rapid bone loss.
Numerous health conditions, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and liver disease, may also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
What symptoms can osteoporosis cause?
Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in its early stage. You might have the disease for years and never know there’s a problem until you complete a bone scan.
Many people experience their first symptom after the fracture of a brittle bone. Untreated osteoporosis causes bone weakness that leads to fractures from simple activities that typically don’t hurt healthy bones, such as mild falls.
Osteoporosis can also cause spinal compression fractures, injuries that occur when a weakened vertebra collapses because it’s unable to support your movement or weight. When two or more adjacent vertebrae collapse, you could develop a rounded appearance in your upper back.
How does a specialist treat osteoporosis?
The Rheumatology Solutions team uses various methods to treat osteoporosis. Your comprehensive treatment plan may include:
Diet changes
Consuming enough vitamin D and calcium is vital for healthy bones, but they’re not the only nutrients needed to maintain or restore bone strength. The Rheumatology Solutions experts offer nutrition and dietary supplement advice to quickly reverse bone-weakening nutrient deficiencies.
Exercise
Participating in weight-bearing exercise is crucial to prevent or treat osteoporosis. The force of muscles pulling against your bones during workouts can stimulate new bone cell production.
Medications
Osteoporosis medications can reduce worsening osteoporosis and strengthen weak bones. The Rheumatology Solutions team prescribes medications that match your individualized health needs.