Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Treatment in Hollywood & Pembroke Pines

Osteoporosis is a disease that thins the tissue of bones, causing them to gradually lose density. One in five American women over 50 suffers from this disease making Osteoporosis in South Florida a common ailment. If your body does not get enough calcium, the production of bone tissue is limited. As you age, calcium and phosphate, essential bone building minerals, can be absorbed back into the body. This gradually causes brittle bones that are more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis can be caused by decreased estrogen levels in women and decreased testosterone in men. This is why older people are more prone to developing the disease. It can also occur due to chronic illnesses like Rheumatoid Arthritis, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and even eating disorders.

While there are no symptoms early on, later stages of the disease exhibit bone pain, fractures, height loss, lower back pain, neck pain, and a stooped posture. The pain associated with Osteoporosis is caused by tiny fractures in the bones. Fractures that occur during Osteoporosis can happen from even the smallest bumps, and sometimes without any kind of trauma at all.

Seeking an Osteoporosis Diagnosis in South Florida

If you suspect you may have Osteoporosis, you should seek out doctors who specialize in Osteoporosis in Broward County. Our providers are the first rheumatologists in the treatment of Osteoporosis in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines. In order to make a diagnosis they will perform bone mineral density tests. These tests will not only measure bone density but also give insight into your risk for future bone fractures. Additional tests may be ordered to evaluate possible fractures. They may also perform blood and urine testing to find out what is causing your Osteoporosis.

Our Providers Were the First in Treating Osteoporosis in South Florida

Our doctors have a number of strategies to treat the symptoms of Osteoporosis. They may ask you to make a few lifestyle changes that will help treat the symptoms, such as regular, low-impact exercise, a diet rich in vitamin D, calcium, and protein, and breaking unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol use. The doctors may also recommend medications that can strengthen bones and/or prevent further bone loss. These medications include Bisphosphonates, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Parathyroid Hormone, and Raloxifene. Each of these are designed to treat Osteoporosis caused by particular conditions or in particular patients, but may not work for everyone. Our providers are committed to working with each patient to find the treatment plan that is right for you.