The right specialists and other healthcare providers can treat and manageosteoporosisto help prevent complications.
Treatment for osteoporosis can include medication, nutritional modifications, physical therapy, exercise, and more.
This article will detail the various specialists who treat osteoporosis and explain their roles in managing this condition.
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But it can lead tofragility fractures(in which weakened bones break with minor trauma).
Without symptoms, getting screened for osteoporosis is the first step in determining whether you need treatment.
When citing health authorities or research, the following will use their terms for sex or gender.
In addition, younger individuals with other risk factors for osteoporosis may require earlier screening.
Higher-risk groups include:
Who Treats Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis typically affects multiple regions of the body at the same time.
Because of this, a wide variety of specialists may assume a role in treating the disease.
The following types of providers are most commonly involved in managing this condition.
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologistsare experts in treating diseases related to hormone imbalances.
Geriatrician
Geriatriciansspecialize in managing the health of older adults.
Much like the previous specialists listed, geriatricians can order DEXA scans and blood tests.
They can also prescribe medications that help prevent fractures and stabilize your bone density.
Weight-bearing exercises (like walking) and resistance training are particularly beneficial.
Physical therapistsare skilled in prescribing effective exercise techniques that can help manage this condition.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Unfortunately, osteoporotic bones with diminished density have a higher likelihood of fracturing.
When this occurs,an orthopedic surgeonis commonly consulted.
Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment
DEXA scans are the primary means of diagnosing osteoporosis.
This score compares these areas to healthy individuals with peak bone density.
If your bone density is more than 2.5 standard deviations lower, you have osteoporosis.
Several types of treatmentcan help manage osteoporosis.
Start with a primary care healthcare provider.
In addition, theBone Health & Osteoporosis Foundations websitecan also help you locate a knowledgeable provider in your area.
Several types of providers are skilled in managing this condition.
These providers can help screen for, diagnose, and treat this chronic diagnosis.
Medications, diet and lifestyle changes, and exercise are the primary tools that are utilized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physical therapy teaches exercises that can positively affect your bone density.
This commonly includes weight-bearing exercises and resistance training techniques.
Both a rheumatologist and an endocrinologist are skilled in treating osteoporosis.
Both types of providers are able to order screening tests and prescribe treatments for osteoporosis.
They may also assess your posture, body weight, and height and compare them to earlier measurements.
Akkawi I, Zmerly H.Osteoporosis: current concepts.Joints.
2018;319(24):2521. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.7498
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Osteoporosis.
UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program.Bone health and osteoporosis.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Bone mass measurements.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Osteoporosis.
American College of Rheumatology.Rheumatologist.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.About us.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Osteoporosis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
