Osteoporosis Specialist
Western Orthopaedics, P.C.
Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Denver, CO & Arvada, CO
Osteoporosis affects nearly 10 million Americans, and over 80% of them are women. If you experience low bone density or fractures associated with osteoporosis, the expert orthopaedic surgeons at Western Orthopaedics, P.C., in Denver, Colorado, offer solutions. They use advanced diagnostic testing and treatments that improve bone health and osteoporosis to reduce your risk of complications. Schedule an appointment with Western Orthopaedics, P.C., over the phone or request one online today.
Osteoporosis Q & A
What is bone health and osteoporosis?
Bone health is how strong and dense your bones are. Having healthy bones reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis, a chronic disease in which bones are porous and weak, increasing your risk of fractures.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
You might not experience symptoms if you have osteoporosis, as there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. In more advanced stages of osteoporosis, you might notice bone fractures, back pain, loss of height, or stooped posture.
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Anybody can develop osteoporosis, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:
- Being small or thin
- Older age
- Being a woman
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Low bone density
- Having Asian or European descent
- Low calcium intake
- Hormone imbalances
- Eating disorders
- A sedentary lifestyle
Excessive alcohol and tobacco use can also contribute to osteoporosis. Complications associated with the disease include fractures and other types of broken bones.
Can I prevent osteoporosis?
You can’t always avoid osteoporosis, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing it. Maintain a healthy weight, ingest plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and protein from food or dietary supplements, and get regular exercise. Have your primary care doctor monitor hormone levels to keep them balanced.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
To diagnose osteoporosis, your orthopaedic specialist offers a bone density test using low levels of X-rays. You lie down on a comfortable table while a scanner passes over you. The procedure is fast and painless.
What treatments improve bone health and osteoporosis?
Your personalized bone health and osteoporosis treatment plan is based on the severity of your condition. Your orthopaedic specialist might recommend:
- Medications
- Hormone therapy
- Regenerative medicine
- Not smoking
- Avoiding excessive alcohol
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking vitamin or mineral supplements
- Fracture care
If you have a bone fracture associated with osteoporosis, your orthopaedic surgeon can treat it using a cast, brace, traction, external fixation, or surgery.
Don’t let poor bone health, osteoporosis, or fractures diminish your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Western Orthopaedics, P.C., over the phone or online to get treated today.