More than 12% of Americans aged 50 and older have osteoporosis, a disease that increases the risk of fractures and other musculoskeletal problems. At Signature Internal Medicine, concierge internal medicine providers Humera Ahmed, MD, and Dina Diehl, DO, provide complete care for osteoporosis, including prescription medication, exercise guidance, and hormone replacement therapy. To make an appointment, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or book online today.
Osteoporosis is an incurable disease that causes your bones to weaken and deteriorate. The condition develops slowly, so you might not realize anything’s wrong until you fall or suddenly break a bone.
Osteoporosis can affect any of the bones in your body, but it’s most common in the hips, wrists, and spine.
The symptoms of osteoporosis include:
As the disease worsens, you might also experience lower back pain.
Anyone aged 50 or older can develop osteoporosis, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You might also experience osteoporosis if your diet doesn’t include calcium or vitamin D, which help build and strengthen your bones.
The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is with an imaging test called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Your Signature Internal Medicine provider can refer you to a nearby radiology facility for testing.
Once your provider receives your test results, they schedule a follow-up appointment and explain them to you.
Signature Internal Medicine recommends that all women ages 65 and older and all men ages 70 and older undergo a DEXA scan.
Treatment of osteoporosis often includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and prescription medication. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen your bones and slow down their deterioration.
Depending on your needs, the team might recommend:
If a certain medication doesn’t work for you, your Signature Internal Medicine provider adjusts your treatment plan as necessary.
The easiest way to reduce your risk of osteoporosis is to eat a diet that’s rich in calcium. Aside from dairy products, like milk and cheese, consider eating foods like sardines, broccoli, or dried figs. It’s also important to stay active by lifting weights; resistance exercises help increase bone density.
If you’re concerned about having osteoporosis, make an appointment at Signature Internal Medicine by calling the office or booking online today.