May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Here to talk about this disease is our very own Physician Assistant, Cassie Cuellar:
Let’s talk about Bone Health!
Hello! This is Cassandra Cuellar PA-C with Valley Medical Arts Clinic. May is Osteoporosis Awareness month and I wanted to share some insight about what Osteoporosis is, how we can prevent it, and how we can treat it.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is when the bones become weak and brittle with time. It increases the risk of fracture if not treated. It is known as a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without any symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?
There are usually none! Unfortunately, the first symptom of Osteoporosis is pain after a fracture of a bone.
What is the difference between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis?
Osteoporosis is thinning of the bones which does not cause any symptoms until a bone breaks.
Osteoarthritis is the inflammation and wear on the joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What are the risk factors of Osteoporosis?
-Age
-Menopause
-Family history
-Ethnicity
-Low Calcium and Vitamin D intake
-Medication usage
-Low activity level
-Smoking
-Alcohol usage
How can I be tested for Osteoporosis?
You can be tested for Osteoporosis with a Bone Densitometry (DEXA) X-ray. We have this X ray in our clinic and it helps detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
How can I prevent getting Osteoporosis?
1) Implementing regular weight bearing exercise
2) Making sure you’re getting enough calcium and Vitamin D intake
3) Avoid excess alcohol intake and refrain from smoking
If I do have Osteoporosis, how can I be treated for it and limit my fracture risk?
There are different categories of prescription treatment available for Osteoporosis. There are anabolic treatments that help build bone. There are also antiresportive treatments that help slow down the process of bone loss.
For more information about Osteoporosis come by and visit us here at VMAC and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Cassandra Cuellar PA-C
We’d like to thank Cassie for this interesting and informative article on Osteoporosis. As an addendum, Dr. Solis would like to add these few words with a special offer:
We at Valley Medical Arts Clinic are also engaged in “Fracture Care Awareness”. We try to follow the recommendation of all patients that have sustained an acute fracture to make sure they have had the appropriate work up, which includes a thorough history, physical exam, labs (including Calcium and Vitamin D), and of course the bone density. This allows there to be appropriate communication/continuity with Orthopedics during the management of patients with these acute injuries.
At VMAC, we will be honoring “Osteoporosis Awareness Month” and offering bone densities at $50 dollars during the month of May as a way to promote bone health.
Please come by and inquire with our staff, thx.
Joel Solis MD