Osteoporosis Specialist
-
- Tweet
The Hirsh Center
Arthritis and Sports Medicine Center located in Delray Beach, FL
Occurring more rapidly in women after menopause than prior to menopause, osteoporosis weakens your bones making them more susceptible to fractures. The Hirsh Center in Delray Beach, Florida, specializes in rheumatology and musculoskeletal conditions like osteoporosis. The team of doctors provides expert treatment for adults with osteoporosis. To learn more about how the nationally accredited medical team treats this bone disease, call the office or schedule a consultation using the online system.
Osteoporosis Q & A
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which your bone density decreases, causing weak and brittle bones that are easily susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis fractures commonly occur in your hips, wrists, or spine. Although osteoporosis can affect both men and women, it’s most prominent in post-menopausal women.
Medications and exercises can help slow your loss of bone mass and strengthen weak bones.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Common symptoms include:
- A stooped posture
- Back pain
- Bone fractures that happen easily
- Loss of height over time
At first, you may not even be aware that your bone density is decreasing until you experience a fracture. Sometimes, osteoporosis symptoms go unnoticed and undetected for years; so if you are at higher risk of developing the condition, it’s a good idea to get a bone density test to determine your bone health.
Who is at risk for developing osteoporosis?
Caucasian and Asian women are in the highest risk group for developing osteoporosis. Also, your age, family history, and body composition can lead to an increased risk. Women and men who are thin and have a smaller bone structure are more prone to osteoporosis.
Taking certain medications may also weaken your bones, and adults with a history of hormone imbalances or thyroid disorders are at a higher risk. Poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also put you at risk for developing osteoporosis.
What are my treatment options?
The goal of osteoporosis treatments is to prevent further bone density loss and to strengthen your bones to prevent fractures. The Hirsh Center medical team may prescribe medications that help protect your bones or hormone therapy to decrease bone loss. One of only two practices in the state of Florida that is nationally accredited for musculoskeletal ultrasounds, the center uses ultrasound-guidance technology to administer injections that help reduce the effects of osteoporosis.
Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or becoming more active can also help slow the progression of the disease and keep your bones strong. Taking supplements to increase your vitamin D and calcium levels may also help to control the symptoms of osteoporosis and strengthen your bones.
To learn more about treatment options for osteoporosis, please call the Delray office or schedule a consultation using the online system.
