The Houston TX osteoporosis doctor you can count on is Dr. Tamar Brionez. Osteoporosis is the largest threat to bone health in the US. It is estimated to impact at least 1.5 million people in the US annually. Even if you have no symptoms, after the age of 50 everyone needs consistent screening for osteoporosis.
Dr. Brionez – Houston TX Osteoporosis Doctor
Dr. Tamar Brionez – Houston TX Osteoporosis Doctor
Did recent x-rays or bloodwork reveal a possible loss of bone density? Are you over the age of 50 and concerned you may fall within the fracture risk zone? Advanced Rheumatology of Houston’s Dr. Brionez is the expert you need.
This Houston TX osteoporosis doctor has been practicing internal medicine since 2007 and rheumatology since 2009. She has over a decade of experience diagnosing and managing osteoporosis, and she is ready to help you manage your symptoms today.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by the disruption of bone tissue through the loss of bone density. This lowered bone mass is most commonly associated with an increased risk of fracture, particularly in those over the age of 50.
Risk Of Fracture
Osteoporosis is most commonly diagnosed as the result of a fractured or broken bone.
Having an increased risk of fracture is especially dangerous in seniors and those who are less independent. An early diagnosis of osteoporosis and the following of one’s treatment plan can keep those at risk out of the hospital, nursing home, or other long-term care facilities.
In a study The American College of Rheumatology did on seniors who survived hip fractures, three interesting statistics stand out:
First, 60% of seniors who survived a hip fracture never regained their prior level of independence.
Second, 20% of those 60% remained confined to a nursing home or long-term care facility for the remainder of their life.
And thirdly, the one-year mortality rate for seniors who survived a hip fracture was 24%.
Though these statistics are tragic, they serve as a harsh reminder that your bone health cannot be ignored. If you are over the age of 50, you need Dr. Brionez to screen you for any bone density loss you may unknowingly be experiencing. Protect your future independence and call our Houston TX osteoporosis doctor today!
Screening
Dr. Brionez uses a bone mineral density scan to screen for osteoporosis.
Dr. Brionez will screen you according to the standards set by the World Health Organization by using their absolute fracture risk assessment algorithm tool.
This tool takes into account your body mass index, risk factors, medical history, and the results of your bone mineral density test. This quick and painless high-precision x-ray will determine and help Dr. Brionez monitor any boney density loss you may be experiencing.
If the diagnosis of osteoporosis is reached, your treatment plan will include dietary supplements, light weight-bearing activities such as walking, and medications to slow your loss of density. Your Houston TX osteoporosis doctor will help you navigate the wide variety of treatment options approved by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
The supplements Dr. Brionez most commonly recommends are calcium and Vitamin D.
Symptoms
This condition involves little to no external symptoms and is therefore considered a silent disease. As we age, our bones do not reabsorb new bone tissue as well, and so become more susceptible to damage. Individuals with osteoporosis experience this to a more severe and dangerous degree.
However, without regular screening, this condition often goes unnoticed until a bone is fractured or broken during a minor injury such as a fall. Fractures associated with osteoporosis are most commonly found in the wrist, hip, or spine.
These fractures have the potential to lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of height, and loss of independence.
Risk Factors
While there are no outward symptoms of osteoporosis, there are a few risk factors you can be aware of. These include smoking, alcohol abuse, low levels of calcium or Vitamin D, menopause, old age, genetics, having a small bone structure, a previous or existing fracture, or a break after the age of 50.
Many eating disorders can impact both bone structure and density. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, call Dr. Brionez today for further information regarding the impacts this may have on the person’s bone health and future independence.
Some medications used in treating rheumatoid arthritis can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis. If you suffer from both conditions, you need to discuss your medication choices with Dr. Brionez.
How To Lower Fracture Risk
If you do not smoke, limit alcohol intake, and take your prescribed supplements, you are already on a great track to avoiding or limiting the affects of osteoporosis!
Beyond this, there are several ways to avoid potential fracture-inducing falls. You can use walking aids such as a cane or walker, remove rugs from your home, secure or move tripping hazards such as loose cables, and utilize grab bars and non-skid mats in your bathrooms.
Furthermore, you can ask for help when needing to move heavy items, wear shoes with a non-slip grip style of sole, and regularly perform exercises proven to improve balance such as yoga.
All of these preventative measures and more can be discussed in detail with Dr. Brionez. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with osteoporosis, many of these measures will be included in the treatment plan Dr. Brionez presents. If you have other rheumatologic conditions, other health concerns, or other disabilities, be sure to discuss your medications and exercise abilities with the doctor during your appointment so your treatment plan can be as effective as possible.
Contact Us
Our Houston clinic is open Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (281) 766-7886 to book your appointment to be screened for osteoporosis and discuss your treatment options.
If you or someone you love has had an eating disorder, reached the age of 50, recently fractured a bone in a minor fall, has chronic pain, or recently noticed a loss of height, you need to be screened for osteoporosis. Early diagnosis is so important in this race against the clock. Preserve your future independence and prevent chronic pain. Don’t wait, call your Houston TX osteoporosis doctor today!
Houston Fun Facts
- Previously, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo went by the name Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition.
- During August, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts Shakespeare in the Park.
- Lastly, the Eclectic Menagerie Park, located alongside Highway 288, contains enormous sculptures.
- For further information regarding Houston, visit here!
