We are accepting new patients. Book your appointment today!
The average human body contains between 206 and 213 bones that range from tiny phalanges in your toes to large bones like your pelvic bone or femur (thigh bone). No matter their size, you want your bones to be strong so that they can hold your body together and carry you through life.
But age and osteoporosis may have different plans for your bones, robbing them of their previous strength and placing you at far greater risk for fractures.
As musculoskeletal specialists, the team here at Western Orthopaedics understands all too well how important healthy and strong bones are, especially as you age. It’s one thing to break an arm when you’re 15 and quite another to break a hip at 70.
So, in this month’s blog post, we present a few fast facts about osteoporosis and bone loss so you’re equipped to protect your bones and maintain their strength.
In terms of numbers, osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans and another 44 million have low bone density. Most people develop osteoporosis after the age of 50.
Of the millions of Americans who have osteoporosis or low bone density, an overwhelming majority are women. Osteoporosis affects 1 in 5 women over the age of 50 compared to just 1 in 20 men. The reason for this big gender difference is the loss of estrogen that women face as they pass through menopause, which can impact bone density.
More than 85% of hip fractures occur in people over the age of 65. While balance issues among older people certainly play a role, the loss of bone density also contributes to this high number.
More concerning is this: Experts estimate that up to one-third of people who break a hip after the age of 65 will die within a year. While this is an extreme consequence, fracturing a hip at any age can be life-altering as you’re unable to get around and take care of yourself.
If you're worried about the strength of your bones, a great first step is to come see us for a quick and pain-free bone scan. If we find that your bone density is worrisome, we can come up with a plan to help you maintain strong bones and avoid fractures.
These steps might include:
We can also suggest ways to offset your risks for fractures, such as improving your balance so you can avoid falls.
To figure out the best plan for keeping your bones strong and slowing bone density loss to help prevent osteoporosis, please contact one of our offices in Arvada or Denver, Colorado, to schedule an appointment.
