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Osteoporosis: Symptoms, causes & Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weak and easy to break.

It develops slowly over time. Most people do not know they have it until they suffer a fracture.

 

Because there are often no early symptoms, osteoporosis is called a silent disease.

 

Osteoporosis is different from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis affects joint cartilage. Osteoporosis affects bone strength.

How Osteoporosis Happens

Bones are living tissue. They constantly break down and rebuild.

Osteoporosis develops when:

  • Bone breaks down faster than it rebuilds

  • Bone density decreases

  • Bones become thin and fragile

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Women lose bone faster after menopause due to lower estrogen levels.
Men also lose bone with age, but usually at a slower rate.

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Common fracture areas:

  • Spine

  • Hip

  • Wrist

Who Is at Risk?

Your risk depends on age, hormones, lifestyle, and medical history.

Higher Risk Groups

  • Women over 50

  • Postmenopausal women

  • Adults over 65

  • People with a family history of osteoporosis

  • Individuals with small body

Medical Risk Factors

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Lupus and autoimmune diseases

  • Thyroid or parathyroid disorders

  • Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

  • Long term steroid use

  • Smoking

  • Drinking alcohol regularly

  • Low calcium intake

  • Vitamin D deficiency

  • Lack of exercise

  • Long periods of bed rest

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If you live in Tampa or Orlando and have these risk factors, a bone health evaluation may be recommended.

Lifestyle Risk Factors

  • Smoking

  • Drinking alcohol regularly

  • Low calcium intake

  • Vitamin D deficiency

  • Lack of exercise

  • Long periods of bed rest

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If you live in Tampa or Orlando and have these risk factors, a bone health evaluation may be recommended.

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Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Most people have no early warning signs.

Later symptoms may include:

  • A fracture after a minor fall

  • Back pain

  • Loss of height

  • Stooped posture

  • Tooth loss

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If you notice these signs, speak with a rheumatology provider.

How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed

Medical Evaluation

Your provider will review:

  • Personal and family history

  • Past fractures

  • Medications

  • Risk factors

Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan)

A DEXA scan:

  • Is quick and painless

  • Measures bone strength

  • Helps determine fracture risk

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Screening is usually recommended:

  • At age 65

  • Earlier if high risk

  • For patients on long term steroids

  • For patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment Options

The goal of treatment is to:

  • Prevent fractures

  • Slow bone loss

  • Build stronger bone

Medications That Slow Bone Loss

  • Alendronate

  • Ibandronate

  • Risedronate

  • Zoledronic acid

  • Denosumab

Medications That Build Bone

  • Teriparatide

  • Abaloparatide

  • Romosozumab

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Your treatment plan depends on:

  • Bone density results

  • Age

  • Fracture history

  • Overall health

Self Care and Prevention

Healthy habits protect your bones.

Daily Bone Health Tips

  • Maintain healthy vitamin D levels

  • Get enough calcium

  • Do weight bearing exercises

  • Strength train regularly

  • Stop smoking

  • Limit alcohol

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Regular follow up with your rheumatology provider helps monitor bone health and reduce fracture risk.

Osteoporosis Specialists in Tampa and Orlando

  • Our rheumatology team provides:

  • Comprehensive bone health evaluations

  • DEXA scan interpretation

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Long term fracture prevention strategies

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If you are concerned about osteoporosis, schedule an appointment for a bone health assessment in Tampa or Orlando today.

Ready to Prioritize Your Health?

Take the next step toward expert arthritis and autoimmune care.

 

Schedule your appointment today with our trusted rheumatology team in Tampa or Orlando and experience personalized treatment focused on long term results.

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