Osteoporosis is often a silent disease, usually bringing no symptoms but slowly degrading your bones over time, potentially leading to fractures. While there’s no cure, the progression of osteoporosis can be managed and treated with rheumatology. But how does rheumatology benefit osteoporosis patients? Let’s find out.
Why are osteoporosis patients prone to fractures?
Osteoporosis is characterized by compromised bone strength and density. It progresses stealthily, weakening your bones over time without overt symptoms, often until a fracture occurs.
In this progressive disorder, your bone density decreases, and the microstructure of bone tissue deteriorates, leading to bones becoming fragile and more susceptible to fractures even from minor impacts or stress.
Osteoporosis can affect any bone in the body, but fractures commonly occur in the hips, spine, and wrists. Spinal fractures, known as vertebral compression fractures, may happen without noticeable symptoms, leading to a gradual decrease in height or a stooped posture.
The focus of managing and treating osteoporosis is on enhancing bone health, reducing fracture risks, and preserving the integrity of your bones to keep them as strong and healthy as possible. Let’s take a look at how rheumatology can help reduce the risk of fractures in osteoporosis patients.
How does rheumatology help?
Rheumatology, a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating disorders affecting joints, muscles, and bones, can be a game changer for osteoporosis patients. Here’s how it can help you manage symptoms, reduce your pain, and improve your quality of life.
Comprehensive bone health evaluations
Rheumatologists conduct thorough assessments to evaluate your bone health. They utilize a range of diagnostic tools, including bone density tests like DEXA scans, to determine bone strength and assess your risk of fractures. This helps you understand the progression of your disease, and enables your rheumatologist to develop a treatment plan to best protect your bones.
Personalized treatment strategies
Your rheumatologist can develop tailored treatment plans based on your unique needs. They prescribe medications that aim to improve your bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. These may include bisphosphonates, hormone-related therapies, or newer agents specifically targeting bone health.
Lifestyle advice
Beyond medications, rheumatologists emphasize the significance of lifestyle modifications. They can offer you dietary guidance, especially when it comes to your calcium and vitamin D intake. Your rheumatologist can also give you some weight-bearing exercises and fall prevention strategies to bolster bone health and reduce your risk of a fracture.
Monitoring and follow-up
Your rheumatologist can also provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. They track the effectiveness of your prescribed treatments, conduct periodic assessments of your bone health, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plans as required. They’re always available for your questions, concerns, and anything else you need along the way.
Schedule your appointment today
At Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, our experienced rheumatologists can help you take control of your condition and work to prevent your risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. We can prescribe medications that can stop bone loss, and with certain medications, build bone back.
Scheduling an appointment with a rheumatologist is a proactive step towards safeguarding your bone health and addressing your concerns related to osteoporosis. Don’t delay – take charge of your bone health and start preventing fractures today.
Prioritize your health by scheduling an appointment with us. Contact our team to get started.
