Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a gradual thinning and weakening of bones, which leads to bone fractures.

Osteoporosis is a gradual thinning and weakening of bones, which leads to bone fractures. Often referred to as a “silent disease”, many women and men are unlikely to find out they have osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture…Osteoporosis may be successfully prevented and treated when doctors can detect and intervene early. Important risk factors for osteoporosis include:

  • female
  • advanced age
  • history of bone fracture
  • a small thin frame
  • a family history of osteoporosis
  • removal of the ovaries
  • early menopause
  • a low calcium diet
  • lack of exercise
  • eating disorders
  • certain medicines(such as steroids or anticonvulsants)
  • alcohol and tobacco use

Who is at Risk?

Age is an important risk factor. Everyone, both men and women, loses bone strength as they grow older. Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis than men as women often have smaller, thinner frames. Women also are affected by the loss of estrogen at menopause. Estrogen helps protect women against bone loss.

5 steps towards good bone health…

  1. Eat healthy, include Calcium and Vitamin D
  2. Participate in regular weight-bearing exercise
  3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
  4. Talk to your doctor about bone health
  5. Have your bone mineral density (BMD) tested

Osteoporosis services available at Magee Rehabilitation:

  • Comprehensive physiatry evaluation
  • Comprehensive physical therapy evaluation and program
  • Referral for DEXA scan as appropriate

To schedule an appointment for a comprehensive physiatry evaluation, please call 215-587-3394.