A Sign of Bone Loss You Need to Know

Osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis, is a telltale sign of bone loss and should be treated. If left untreated, sufferers could face an increased risk in bone fractures, loss of mobility, pain, deformities, and other bone problems.

A condition where bone density is low, osteopenia affects 18 million Americans. Risk factors of this condition include excessive alcohol use, smoking, anorexia, lack of calcium, and family history.

Sometimes osteopenia is not caught in time, and sufferers will not know they have the condition until they suffer a fracture. Therefore, undergoing bone density testing as we age is a preventative measure one can take. While many adults should consider one of these tests, women over the age of 65 are especially at risk due to menopause and should speak with their physicians about scheduling bone density testing.

“Bone mineral density testing is an effective way to measure the risk of fractures and bone diseases,” says Dr. Jerome R. Dunklin, orthopedic expert at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics.

Eating healthy foods, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, and vegetables, can help prevent conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis from occurring. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and maintain a good exercise program if you are healthy enough for physical activity.

If you would like to undergo a bone density test, contact the orthopedic specialists at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics at (877) 666-6080. Or for more information, visit our osteoporosis page.