The development of bone disease results from a deterioration of your endocrine system, which manages hormone levels and mineral absorption. When your endocrine system is compromised, minerals like calcium, iron, salt, and even vitamins don’t metabolize properly. The sooner you get diagnosed, the faster your doctor can begin preventative treatment.
If you’re one of the 44 million Americans suffering from low bone mass, you require professional diagnosis and treatment. The specialists successfully manage your bone disease. This multi-specialty practice uses the most up-to-date bone density testing equipment available for your benefit.
Preventing Bones from Breaking
Americans suffer two million broken bones every year due to bone diseases like osteoporosis. Women are especially vulnerable due to the loss of estrogen following menopause. Fortunately, with professional help, you can take steps to keep your bones as strong as possible.
Quitting smoking
Minimizing your alcohol intake
Eating foods rich in calcium and other essential minerals
Spending time in the sun to absorb vitamin D
Doing stretching exercises to keep your bones healthy
Strengthening your bones with weight-bearing and resistance exercises
What Makes You Susceptible to Bone Disease?
If you develop bone disease, you may experience knee or back pain, but not everyone shows symptoms. Your risk of developing bone disease increases if you:
Smoke
Drink alcohol regularly
Take high doses of steroids
Have rheumatoid arthritis
Are suffering from diabetes
Have a kidney or liver disorder
Have broken bones in the past
Suffer from Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
Are a cancer patient
Your bones are living tissue. Certain medications for heart disease GERD and heartburn can compromise your bone health. Tell your Queens physician about any prescriptions you’re taking, even medicines for high blood pressure depression and anxiety can have an effect.
Screening for Bone Diseases
Breaking a bone from a minor incident is often the first sign of bone disease. After such an injury, your doctor takes x-rays to examine your bone structure for are any noticeable cracks. If necessary, you may need an MRI or CT scan. A blood or urine test determines your level of vitamin D, calcium and other minerals.
Once your doctor has all the information, an accurate diagnosis follows. There are several types of bone disease, and your treatment depends on which one you have. Some of the most common include:
• Osteoporosis. The most well-known bone disease, osteoporosis is referred to as the silent disease since it gradually weakens your bones. Most people aren’t aware of the condition until their bones start breaking, a result that happens years after the onset of the disease.
• Osteomalacia. Caused by vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia is characterized by softening bones. Symptoms include bowed legs and other deformities.
• Osteopenia. While similar to osteoporosis, osteopenia isn’t quite as severe. It’s a condition characterized by a loss of bone mineral density. It affects about half of Americans over the age of 50. Your doctor diagnoses it through a non-invasive exam using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
• Paget’s disease. Usually affecting your pelvis, skull, back and legs, Paget’s disease interferes with the normal bone recycling process of breaking down and rebuilding, causing misshapen and weak bones.
• Hyperparathyroidism. This disease is a hormonal condition that occurs when your body produces too much of the hormone parathyroid. It raises calcium levels in your blood and urine while lowering its absorption by your bones.
