Osteoporosis In Saginaw, MI
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that causes weak or brittle bones. Your bone is living tissue that continually breaks down and regrows. Osteoporosis occurs when the bone doesn’t regenerate as fast as it needs to, resulting in reduced bone strength and density.
Osteoporosis can affect individuals of any age and background. However, post-menopausal women of Caucasian and Asian descent seem to be at an elevated risk of developing osteoporosis in Saginaw, MI.
Individuals with osteoporosis are likely to suffer fractures even when engaging in low-intensity activities such as walking and standing.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Early-stage osteoporosis is typically asymptomatic. Often, individuals with osteoporosis aren’t aware of this condition until they suffer a fracture. In cases where symptoms appear, patients may experience weak or brittle nails, receding gums, and weakened grip strength.
If you’ve had a past diagnosis of osteoporosis in your family, we recommend seeing our doctors in Saginaw, MI, for a timely assessment.
Severe osteoporosis is usually characterized by recurring fractures, loss of height, back pain, and stooped posture.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include but aren’t limited to age, gender, race, family history, hyperthyroidism, low calcium intake, eating disorders, and underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cancer. In addition, if you lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle and consume excessive amounts of alcohol, then you’re at a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Living with Osteoporosis
To diagnose osteoporosis, our doctors near you rely on a test that measures the proportion of minerals in your bone. Our doctors use a low-radiation x-ray machine to obtain scans or images of specific bones, mainly the hip, and the spine.
While there’s no cure for osteoporosis, there are ways to prevent further bone loss and minimize the risk of fractures. Treatment depends on how likely you are to break a bone within the next ten years, according to the results of the bone density test. The higher your risk of suffering a fracture, the higher the likelihood of receiving medication for osteoporosis. Our doctors may also suggest lifestyle adjustments such as quitting smoke and cutting down on your alcohol intake.
Are you looking for a family-friendly medical clinic that offers personalized treatment for osteoporosis near you? Then, reach out to MI Health Clinic today to arrange a consultation with our trusted doctors near you.