Osteoporosis treatment in Plantation, Florida
Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease that causes the bones to weaken to the point when fractures could quickly happen, with bones of the hips, wrist, and spine being the most vulnerable.
Also called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis rarely produces noticeable symptoms until a fracture actually occurs. Still, leading up to the fracture, the bones have been losing strength for a while, most of the time, many years.
Bones are also living tissue, and the body constantly breaks down old bone tissue to keep them strong. As people age and reach their 40s and 50s, it may also happen that more bone breaks than is replaced. Bone mass will stop increasing around age 30, so from that point on, people need to keep the health of their bones optimal for as long as possible.
From the inside, the bone looks similar to a honeycomb. With osteoporosis, the spaces inside the bone are bigger, the bone forming the honeycomb gets considerably smaller, and the other shell thins out. These changes make the bones weaker.
What is Osteoporosis, and What are the Risk Factors?
As mentioned before, this condition causes the bones to weaken, leading to an increased risk of fractures in people in their 40s-50s and older. The disease is more prominent in women, but men also seek osteoporosis treatment.
People at great risk for developing osteoporosis include:
- Those who have a family history of the condition
- Had fractures above the age of 50
- Women who had surgery to remove their ovaries before stopped having periods
- Women who experienced early menopuase
- People who had a low vitamin D and calcium diet throughout their lives
- Physically inactive people or those who had to remain in bed for extended periods
- People who smoke.
- People who have taken asthma and arthritis medication and specific cancer drugs
- People with a small body frame
Osteoporosis Treatment
Patients seek treatment for osteoporosis; doctors usually recommend starting off with introducing healthier lifestyle choices like regular exercise and following a proper diet. Osteoporosis doctors may also recommend taking specific medications that can help prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risks.
Most frequently, doctors start treatment with bisphosphonates, which include:
- Fosomax or alendronate, which is a pill taken weekly
- Actonel or risedronate, either a weekly or monthly pill
- Boniva or ibandronate, a monthly pill or a quarterly IV infusion
- Reclast or zoledronic acid, a yearly IV infusion
It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your options regarding osteoporosis treatment. They will most probably give you advice on how to fall-proof your house to help improve the success rate of your treatment.
There’s Help
Regular exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D are usually the best approaches to avoid or delay the nasty effects of osteoporosis. Still, people, especially women, should learn more about the disease to ensure it won’t cause any problems for them.
That said, if you are looking for expert advice on bone health in Plantation, Florida, feel free to contact us today at (954) 370-7036, so we can help reduce your risk of long-term problems.
