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Osteoporosis affects as many as 10 million Americans today, and it progressively weakens the skeletal system by depleting bone mass. Millions more experience bone health issues that put them at risk of developing this chronic condition. While this common bone disease affects many people, there are effective strategies to prevent and manage it. If skeletal health concerns you, below are a few points to know about this condition and how to mitigate its effects.

What Are the Dangers?

As osteoporosis advances, affected bones will become porous and weak. Eventually, this can increase the risk of fractures, chronic pain, and physical disability. These injuries are even more severe when they impact critical skeletal areas—such as the hips, spine, shoulders, and wrists.

What Are the Risk Factors & Signs?

Contributing Issues

Many factors can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Being a woman, getting older, having a small body size, and a family history of the disease lead to a higher risk.

While patients cannot change the above factors, you can effectively manage other points of risk with oversight by a qualified doctor. Some of these characteristics include low estrogen or testosterone hormones, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, physical inactivity, cigarette use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Common Signs

osteoporosisMost people who develop osteoporosis won’t know they have the condition until they break a bone. Since the disease can remain hidden for several years, doctors encourage patients—especially those with a higher risk—to schedule a bone density test.  

How Can You Prevent & Treat It?

Prevention

If you’re at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor will recommend how to reduce your likelihood of developing it. These recommendations may include increasing physical activity to strengthen bone, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, and avoiding smoking and alcohol use.

Treatment Options

Additionally, you can combat osteoporosis after it develops. People in the earlier stages of the disease may find that physical therapy can improve skeletal strength and ease mobility issues. In more progressive cases, doctors may prescribe medications that inhibit bone loss or enhance the body’s absorption of bone-building nutrients.

 

Specializing in internal medicine and primary care, the providers at Fairview Clinic, P.C., offer comprehensive care for many chronic diseases—including osteoporosis. Whether you’re concerned about the risk or need to restore lost bone mass, these caring physicians of Dothan, AL, will introduce you to effective solutions to improve your skeletal strength. This clinic also offers health screening—such as bone density tests—to help you stay aware. To learn more about these services, visit them online. Call (334) 794-3192 to schedule an appointment.

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