Treating bone health conditions
At Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, our orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat adults with conditions such as osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and increases the risk for fractures. The goal of the bone health clinic is to identify those with osteoporosis and provide a personalized plan to promote bone health, maintain independence and prevent fractures.
With age, bones naturally start to thin, increasing the risk for osteoporosis. Many individuals don't know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Our team screens for osteoporosis using a quick and painless test called a DXA scan. If osteoporosis is detected, our team works with you to create a treatment plan that's right for you. In addition to medication, we may recommend simple diet and exercise changes, as well as bone health supplements and vitamins.
We can also connect you with Ascension Sacred Heart physical therapists or athletic trainers for a customized exercise program designed to stimulate bone building, reduce your risk of injury, and prevent falls.
The interdisciplinary team will include the following team members based on the patient's needs:
- A physician assistant to oversee your care
- A pharmacist to make treatment recommendations, monitor treatment and provide education regarding medications and side effects
- An athletic trainer to assist with creating an individualized exercise program for bone strength
- Physical therapy or exercise education to prevent falls and fractures, or to help with healing after a brittle bone fracture
- A dietitian who can assist with dietary changes and educate regarding calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health
Risk factors for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a long-term (chronic) disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Sometimes osteoporosis may be caused by medical conditions or medications. Millions of Americans older than 50 have osteoporosis. Millions more have low bone mass, which puts them at risk for the disease. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis than men.
Some factors that increase your risk of osteoporosis include:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Weight
- Smoking
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Sedentary lifestyle
- History of anorexia nervosa or another eating disorder
- History of heavy alcohol use (having on average more than 1 drink a day) or alcoholism
- Long-term steroid use, meaning using a steroid every day for at least three months
Bone health services
From medication therapies to nutritional guidance, our care team explains how to improve your bone health and prevent bone fractures. Depending on your individual needs, services we may offer include:
- Bone density screening and diagnostic tests
- Medications
- Bone health and nutrition education
- Exercise therapy for bone strength
- Physical therapy or exercise education to prevent falls and fractures, or to help with healing after a brittle bone fracture
