Pilgrim Park Physicians - Health Clinic Calendar

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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to increased thinning and vulnerability to fracture. It most often affects women after menopause. Twenty million Americans may have osteoporosis or be at risk for it.

Frequent Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms:

Backache

No symptoms (often)

Late symptoms:

Sudden back pain with a cracking sound indicating fracture

Deformed spinal column with humps.

Loss of height

Fractures occur with minor injury, especially the hip or arm.

Causes

Loss of bony structure and strength

Factors include:

Prolonged lack of adequate calcium and protein in the diet

Low estrogen levels after menopause

Decreased activity with increased age

Smoking (possibly)

Use of steroid (cortisone) drugs

Prolonged disease, nicluding alcoholism

Vitamin deficiency (especially of vitamin C)

Hyperthyroidism

Cancer

Genetic predisposition

Risk Increases With

Surgery to remove the ovaries

Radiation treatment for ovarian cancer

Poor nutrition, especially in calcium and protein

Body type. Thin women with a small frame are more susceptible

Family history of osteoporosis

Smoking

Heavy drinking of alcohol

Long-term use of cortisone drugs

Use of thyroid medications

Preventive Measures

Hormonal replacement therapy starting at menopause

Ensure an adequate calcium intake up to 1500 mg a day with, milk and milk products or calcium supplements

Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, which is better for preventing osteoporosis than swimming

Seek medical advice about taking estrogen, calcium and fluoride after menopause begins or the ovaries have been removed

Avoid risk factors where possible

Expected Outcomes
Diet, cilcium, and fluoride supplements, vitamin D, exercise and estrogen can halt and may reverse bone deterioration. Fractures will heal with standard treatment.

Possible Complications

Falls that cause bone fractures, especially of the hip or spine. Sometimes a bone will break or collapse without injury or a fall

Severe, disabling pain

Treatment
General Measures

Medical tests include X-rays and bone density studies

Treatment goals are directed to relieving pain and preventing any fractures and sometimes, rebuilding bone

Avoid all circumstances that may lead to injury. Stay off icy streets and wet or waxed floors. Hold banisters when using stairs, and make sure banisters are sturdy

If estrogen is prescribed, get regular medical pelvic exams and Pap smears. Examine your breasts for lumps once a month. Report any vaginal bleeding or discharge

Use heat or ice in any form to ease pain

Sleep on a firm mattress

Use a back brace, if prescribed; use correct posture

Avoid mind altering medication, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, which may cause fall and fractures

Additional information available from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1150 17th St., Suite 500 NW, Washington, DC 20036, (800) 223-9994; web site: http://www.nof.org

Medications

For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen

Calcium, vitamin D supplements, hormone replacement therapy (HRl) or fluoride may be prescribed

Other medications that can slow bone loss or increase bone growth may be prescribed also

Activity
Stay active, but avoid the risk of falls. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or running, to maintain bone strength.

Diet
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet high in protein, calcium and vitamin D or a reducing diet if you are overweight.

Notify Our Office If
You or a family member has symptoms of osteoporosis.
Pain develops, especially after injury.
New, unexplained symptoms develop, such as vaginal bleeding. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

You may contact our offices by calling 401-941-2999 or
email us with your questions.

To schedule a Bone Densitometry exam call 401-941-2999
or click here to view our calendar of scheduled exam dates

Material prodvided by W.B. Saunders Company. Copyright © 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company. All rights reserved.

October 31- Bone Density Exam

Time:  10:00 AM to 11:40 AM
Location:  Pilgrim Park Physicians
                  1243 Post Road
                  Warwick, RI 02888

To register for this exam, please call 401-941-2999
Click here for details about the bone density exam

November 21- Bone Density Exam

Time:  1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location:  Pilgrim Park Physicians
                  1243 Post Road
                  Warwick, RI 02888

To register for this exam, please call 401-941-2999
Click here for details about the bone density exam

November 29- Bone Density Exam

Time:  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location:  Rhode Island Indoor Sports Center
                  170 Jefferson Blvd.
                  Warwick, RI 02888

To register for this exam, please call 401-941-2999
Click here for details about the bone density exam

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