How Wichita Orthopedic Doctors Address This Age-Related Medical Condition
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. What’s especially concerning about this condition is how it can sneak up on people without warning. Informally referred to as a “silent disease” by orthopedic doctors, osteoporosis may show no symptoms until a bone breaks or fractures.
Maintaining bone health is crucial, especially among older populations, to prevent the onset of osteoporosis and ensure quality of life. After exploring what osteoporosis is, its risk factors, and symptoms, we’ll examine how our Wichita orthopedic doctors work with patients to promote optimal bone health and manage this chronic condition.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that occurs when the rate of bone deterioration outpaces bone creation. Normally, the body constantly absorbs and replaces bone tissue; however, with osteoporosis, new bone creation doesn’t keep up with old bone removal. This results in bones becoming weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks from minor falls or mild non-penetrating trauma.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including:
- Age: The risk increases as people get older, particularly in women after menopause.
- Gender: Women are statistically more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, primarily due to hormonal changes after menopause.
- Family history: A family history of osteoporosis can predispose individuals to the condition.
- Physical size: People with smaller body frames may have a higher risk because they have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
- Hormone levels: A decrease in sex hormone levels tend to weaken bone, especially after menopause.
- Dietary factors: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D or excessive food restriction can contribute to weakened bones.
- Lifestyle choices: Sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can increase risk.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease can also increase risk.
- Medications: Long-term use of prednisone, cortisone, and other corticosteroid medications can affect the body’s ability to rebuild bones.
Common Symptoms Of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be especially hard to detect because symptoms may remain mild or practically non-existent until they suddenly become serious. Typical symptoms include:
- Gradual height loss.
- Stooped posture that gets worse over time.
- Sudden bone fracture or breakage.
- Back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra.
How Our Wichita Orthopedic Doctors Address Osteoporosis
As with any medical issue, proactive measures are preferred to reactive ones. Considering how common osteoporosis is, especially among aging populations, the best course of action is prevention.
- Bone density tests: Bone mineral density tests, also called DEXA scans, can help detect osteoporosis in the earliest stages before significant bone loss occurs. Medical guidelines suggest this test for women 65 and older.
- Nutritional guidance: Orthopedic doctors often recommend diets rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
- Exercise programs: Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises help build and maintain bone density.
- Lifestyle modifications: Patients should quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to reduce their risk.
- Medications: In some cases, preventive medications may be prescribed to strengthen bone density, especially for those at high risk.
For those diagnosed with osteoporosis, our orthopedic doctors will develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan to manage and mitigate the effects of the disease:
- Medications: Several medications can help manage osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, hormone-replacement therapy, bone-building medicines, and denosumab, a bone antiresorptive medication.
- Physical therapy: Tailored physical therapy programs help improve strength, balance, and posture, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
- Fall prevention: Installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards from the home helps to prevent falls.
- Surgical interventions: If fracture care is required, orthopedic doctors can perform surgery to reposition and secure the bones in place using wires, plates, or screws. For patients with osteoporosis, this is more complex than in patients with healthy bones.
What to Expect When Working With the Best Orthopedic Doctors In Wichita
Working with a skilled and experienced orthopedic doctor is crucial for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Our physicians offer expert care tailored to individual needs, ensuring comprehensive management of bone health. When you choose Mid-America Orthopedics, expect:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Ongoing monitoring and support to prevent complications
- Physical therapy that builds strength and improves balance
- Improved mobility and quality of life
- Reduced risk of fractures and breaks
- Prompt and professional surgical intervention, when necessary
Book a Consultation With an Orthopedic Doctor Near You In Wichita
Osteoporosis is a significant health concern that requires ongoing attention to maintain bone health and quality of life. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms can help in early detection; however, taking proactive measures is the best course of action.
Of course, not every case of osteoporosis can be prevented, which is why it’s important to work with the best orthopedic doctors to manage the condition. If you are concerned about your bone health, consider consulting with one of our experienced physicians at Mid-America Orthopedics.
You can schedule an appointment by calling (316) 630-9300 or sending us an email.