Is Bone Density a Screening I Should Have

Bone Health - Understanding and Managing Osteoporosis An estimated 54 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures from minor incidents. An estimated 50% of women and 20% of men will break a bone from osteoporosis. The trained specialists at The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., emphasize the importance of bone health, especially among seniors, to manage and prevent this condition. Identifying Risks and Signs Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. Risk factors include a history of falls, being over 65 (men) or 50 (women), a family history of the condition, and lifestyle habits like smoking or alcohol use. Certain medical conditions and treatments also increase susceptibility. Diagnosis and Screening Healthcare providers use DEXA Scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) to diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. This scan is recommended for adults over 65 and those with risk factors. It's a quick, painless procedure using minimal x-rays. Prevention and Treatment Diet plays a key role, with a focus on high-calcium foods (preferably Calcium Citrate) and Vitamin D supplementation for absorption. Exercise, including weight-bearing and balance activities, is vital for enhancing bone density and preventing deterioration. Medication and Personal Care For those at high risk, medications may be prescribed to mitigate bone loss or increase bone mass. Oral health care is critical due to the potential risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw from osteoporosis medications. The Orthopaedic Group offers a comprehensive orthopedic bone health care and education program through its Fracture Liaison Service (FLS), which provides tailored treatment plans to reduce fracture risk and improve quality of life. The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., advocates for proactive screening, preventive nutrition and exercise, and informed treatment decisions to address osteoporosis. Our specialists focus on maintaining independence and well-being so you can live the life you love! Learn more about our fellowship-trained doctors and advanced practice providers at www.TheOrthoGroup.com.

Can a Person Shrink in Height?For some seniors, one of the effects of getting older is they can shrink in height. While this is not necessarily a sign of poor health, it is important to understand why it happens, and what can be done to keep older peoples bodies as strong as possible. If you have a loved one who is experiencing height loss as they age, there are ways you can help them maintain their spine and bone health.Why Do Some Seniors Lose Height?There are multiple reasons older people lose height as they age, including compression of the vertebrae or discs, curvature of the spine, and loss of bone density due to conditions such as osteoporosis. In addition, loss of torso muscle mass, and flattening of the feel can contribute to shorter heights. Metabolic changes in the body can also be the cause of a persons height decreasing.5 Ways Seniors Can Maintain Skeletal HealthLets look at 5 great ways a senior can keep their bones and spine as healthy as possible.Preserve Bone DensitySimply put, the denser human bones are, the stronger they remain. A persons bone density can be greatly affected by diet and exercise. Encourage your loved one to eat foods rich in calcium, such as leafy greens and seafood. Taking Vitamin D is also very helpful, as it aids in the bodys ability to absorb calcium into the bloodstream.Keeping Spinal Discs HydratedDrinking plenty of water will help keep your loved ones intervertebral disks hydrated, so they do not shrink. Its also important to move regularly, up to ones physical ability. This combination of adequate hydration and movement (which helps the disks absorb water) is a great way to minimize the potential for more serious back problems down the road.

Running is very accessibleit doesn't require any special equipment or a gym membershipwhich is why so many individuals decide to do it. Running can take a toll on the body, especially when the body is not used to the training or the training intensity changes too much in a short period of time. Injuries are more likely to occur when running without the proper warm-up or attire.Listed below are some common injuries that runners may face, as well as signs and symptoms to look out for.Plantar FasciitisThe plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It supports the arch at the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the fascia tissue that links the heel to the base of the toes becomes inflamed. One of the main symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel, especially after exercise or first thing in the morning.Achilles TendonitisThe achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the leg to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury to the achilles tendon. Symptoms can include a mild to severe ache or pain in the back of the leg or above the heel. Tenderness and stiffness in the morning, which gets better with activity, can also occur.IT (Iliotibial) Band SyndromeThe IT band is a thick band of tissue (ligament) that runs on the outside of the leg; it starts at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shinbone below the knee joint. IT band syndrome occurs when the band of tissue gets swollen and irritated from rubbing against the hip or knee bone. Symptoms can include hip or knee pain, redness, and warmth around the outside of the knee. The symptoms may start after exercise, and as they worsen, you will feel pain during exercise and during rest periods.Runners KneeRunners knee is a dull and aching pain that is felt behind the knee cap, especially where it meets the femur. Symptoms of runner's knee can include swelling, popping or grinding of the knee, and pain around or behind the knee.Ankle SprainAnkle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur at all ages and at all activity levels. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle ligaments are stretched beyond their limits and tear. Sprains can range from a tiny tear to a complete tear of the ligament. Symptoms of ankle sprains can include swelling, pain, bruising, tenderness, and instability of the ankle.FracturesFractures are breaks or cracks in a bone. There are different kinds of fractures and different severities. Symptoms of fractures can include swelling, bruising, tenderness, or deformity. Fractures can occur in most bones; the most common area for fractures to occur in runners is in the foot or ankle.If you are experiencing any of the conditions or symptoms listed above, please call our office at 239 - 325 - 4090 to schedule an appointment for evaluation.