What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease where the bones become more hollow. The honeycomb-type spaces inside the bones enlarge, creating more space, which causes the bone to lose density while the outside of the bone gets thinner. The result is that fractures become much more likely, especially at the hip, wrist, spine, or ribs.
Can Men Get Osteoporosis?
Yes. While osteoporosis is much more common in women, men can have this condition as well.
Do I Have Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is one of those unfortunate conditions where the first sign you have it can be a serious injury, specifically, a bone fracture. However, occasional symptoms may include brittle nails, receding gums, and weak grip strength. If you have any of these or have a family history of this condition and are an older woman, you may want to come in for an examination.
What Are the Causes?
While there can be certain medical conditions that lead to osteoporosis, most commonly, it is simply a consequence of age, as your body continually breaks down old bone and must grow new bone to replace it. Menopause can also accelerate this condition. Other causes that may contribute can include family history, smoking, and poor nutrition.
Diagnosis
If we suspect this condition or the imminent onset of osteoporosis, we can have you take a bone density test, a painless test to determine the density of your bones. This is much like an X-ray and can quickly let us know if you have any issues.
How Is It Treated?
While we cannot cure this condition, we can prescribe medications as well as lifestyle changes, including a diet richer in calcium and vitamin D along with exercise, to help strengthen and protect your bones.
Visit Us for the Best Osteoporosis Treatments in Northwest Georgia
For over 25 years, Dr. Jeffrey Esslinger has been managing the care of his patients in and around Cartersville, GA. As an internist certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is fully qualified to manage the health care needs of both men and women for the entirety of their adult lives. For a wellness exam or osteoporosis treatment in Georgia, call us at (470) 888-6543 or contact us online with the form below.
