Signs You May Have Osteoporosis

What your doctor in Haddon Heights wants you to know.

As you get older, you may be thinking more about your health. Your body changes as you get older, along with your health. You may Osteoporosisdevelop medical conditions often associated with age. One of these conditions is osteoporosis, caused by a greater rate of bone loss than bone formation in the body leading to a decrease in bone mass or density. 

Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon Heights wants to share the facts about osteoporosis. He proudly serves the residents of Haddon Heights, and all of South Jersey, Hammonton, and Camden County, NJ, and he can help you too. He is a Board certified Rheumatologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Osteoporosis can be very subtle and appear with no signs or symptoms that you are losing bone mass until you have osteoporosis. There are a few signs and symptoms you may recognize, including:

  • A stooped posture and inability to stand up straight
  • A loss of 2 or more inches in height over the years
  • Back and spine pain caused by collapsed vertebra due to fractures and these can be painless in 30% of patients.
  • A DEXA or bone density scan is the best study to detect this condition

Your bones will also fracture more easily. Typical fracture sites include the spine especially the mid-back area, hips, shoulders, ankles, and wrists. Symptoms only occur when there is an active fracture and is otherwise a silent disease making recognition more challenging. Awareness is the key.

There is increased risk of developing osteoporosis in women, older age groups, white more than non-white races, Asian descent, small body frame less than 127 pounds, early menopause, or have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures. Increased alcohol and caffeine intake and unstable gait or balance are other risks factors for osteoporosis and fractures.

Menopause often initiates the onset of osteoporosis because lowered levels of hormones in women begin to accelerate bone loss. Excessive thyroid and parathyroid hormone states can also cause loss of bone at elevated levels. Other medical conditions can also increase bone loss and increase fracture risk in patients, especially those requiring steroids for various conditions.

There are many steps you can take to try to prevent or minimize bone loss and the effects of osteoporosis by changing your diet and doing resistive exercise. Your diet should include adequate amounts of:

  • Protein from various sources including lean meats, soy, nuts, and legumes
  • Calcium with at least 600 to 1200 mg. from various sources including low-fat dairy, green vegetables, soy, or canned salmon or sardines
  • Vitamin D3 with at least 1000 IU from various sources including sunlight and oral supplements

You should also take steps to get adequate exercise to keep your bones strong. Great exercises to prevent osteoporosis include strength training, weight-bearing and balancing exercises.

For more detailed information about osteoporosis please visit the Osteoporosis page on Dr. Fisher’s website and blogs at http://www.markfishermd.com/osteoporosis.html

If you notice some of the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis, it’s time to visit an expert. Call Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon Heights, NJ, serving the residents of Haddon Heights, Hammonton, and Camden County, and all of South Jersey. Awareness and early recognition are the best ways to intervene and treat early and have a successful management of this disease.

Call today! 856-547-8004