Osteoporosis Care from Top Rheumatologists
A BALANCED SYSTEM IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT EVERY BODY.
By: Christopher Gaffney, Ph.D.
Since 1974, Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates (ARBDA) has provided expert osteoporosis care, supporting patients from the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. Our board-certified rheumatologists are trained to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases.
With a commitment to quality care and patient relationships, we offer a personalized approach to managing osteoporosis and related conditions. Whether dealing with joint inflammation, muscle weakness, or the delicate balance of bone density, our specialists are here to help every patient navigate their journey toward a healthier, more resilient life.
Understanding Bone Loss Is the First Step
Our body strives to maintain balance — this is an essential principle in how we function.
Most people don’t know that we are continually losing bone mass and building bone mass at the same time. To be more scientifically accurate, bone is broken down and re-absorbed. In fact, we have specific cells that handle each of these tasks. This is a process called “remodeling.”
For new bone to be constructed well, the body relies on essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to provide the building blocks necessary for this process. A well-balanced diet rich in these nutrients can support this complex system and may even help reduce pain related to joint damage and weakness.
When our bodies are working correctly, the balance between breaking down bone and building new bone is in perfect harmony. However, as we age, this balance is harder to maintain. An imbalance in this system results in not having the support that you need to function at your best. As such, the body breaks down more bone than it should and doesn’t build new bone well (or fast enough) to keep up with the demand needed.
Osteoporosis affects bone density, making bones thin, brittle, and prone to fractures from minor bumps or falls. Think of it as a hidden condition; there often aren’t any warning signs until a fracture happens. This is why osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent” disease. You might not feel typical joint pain or joint inflammation with osteoporosis, but strengthening bones and improving density with the right care is crucial to help prevent fractures.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and osteopenia, both characterized by decreased bone density, often remain asymptomatic until fractures occur, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “silent” conditions.
Patients with more advanced osteoporosis may experience a gradual loss of height and a stooped posture, often due to vertebral compression fractures. Fragility fractures, which occur from minimal trauma, such as a fall from standing height, are hallmark signs of osteoporosis and can cause severe pain and disability.
The Role of Rheumatologists in Osteoporosis Management
ARBDA rheumatologists specialize in understanding bone health in relation to autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions.
When diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, our team will discuss bone density with you and evaluate common symptoms of bone loss. From physical exams to in-depth discussions about diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, our doctors create a blueprint to strengthen bone health and protect against fractures and breaks.
The expertise of a rheumatologist is invaluable, especially for patients managing other conditions like osteoarthritis or joint pain. We’re excited to help patients build resilience and independence with every step.
Osteoporosis Screening: Bone Density Test
Like many things in life, prevention is the best strategy.
As we age, one key to continued health and vitality is the likelihood of fractures resulting from insufficient bone structure.
The primary goal of testing (and treatment) is to prevent fractures as we age. Fracture prevention is crucial because research has shown that, as we age, recovery from these types of injuries takes longer and becomes more challenging, and can also result in many different problems such as infections.
A quick, painless, and safe test was developed by the nation’s top osteoporosis specialists to assess the integrity and structure of our bones: The Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan.
This innovative technology examines places in the body where fractures are most likely. For more than 30 years, the DEXA scan has been the gold standard for screening (as well as assessing the effectiveness of various treatment options) for patients throughout the world.
Who Should Be Tested?
According to the American College of Rheumatology’s top osteoporosis specialists, research shows that all postmenopausal women over age 65 should be screened for osteoporosis. Additionally, patients with one or more of the following risk factors should be considered for screening and treatment for osteoporosis pain:
- Men or women who have been taking hormone therapy or steroid medications
- Women with a previous history of fracture(s) or older than 65 years old
These risk factors may also be associated with other rheumatologic diagnoses, but it’s vital to receive a distinct and accurate assessment from a licensed rheumatologist.
Turn to ARBDA for Personalized Treatment Plans
Each patient’s experience with osteoporosis is unique. That’s why we develop individualized treatment plans that cater to your specific needs.
Our rheumatologists take the time to understand every aspect of your condition and lifestyle so that the treatment plan we create works seamlessly within your daily life.
We encourage patients to take an active role in their care, and with support from our specialists, they are empowered to face osteoporosis with confidence and strength.
Preventing Osteoporosis By Avoiding Bone Loss
Early screening is essential for preventing osteoporosis and protecting long-term bone health. Primary care doctors and osteoporosis doctors recommend routine screenings, especially for those with risk factors or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Early detection helps identify bone loss before fractures occur, providing a proactive path to strengthen bones and reduce pain.
Things to keep in mind and avoid when possible:
Below are some quick points to keep in mind that might help to prevent osteoporosis. Remember: balance is the key to success, and even small changes can result in dramatic effects over time.
- Alcohol: Everyone has heard that a glass of red wine might be helpful for the heart. And while that might be true, alcohol is actually toxic to bones and can be a cause for bone loss. Heavy drinking can cause osteoporosis even in otherwise healthy people.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces bone mass. It may also interfere with hormones (like estrogen) and can lead to early menopause.
- Inactivity: Not being active makes your bones lose strength and become thinner. Over time, as you might expect, thin bones can break far easier. Men and women who aren’t active are at high risk for osteoporosis.
- Certain medicines: Some treatments, such as steroids like prednisone, accelerate bone loss — especially when taken for long periods of time. They also decrease bone growth.
- Protein-rich or salty foods: While they may taste great, these foods deplete calcium, an essential building block for healthy bones, when eaten in large amounts.
- Caffeine: Caffeine decreases calcium levels in your bones. Research has shown that people who drink a lot of coffee, tea, or soda lose more calcium than those who don’t.
How Is Osteoporosis Treated?
First, your rheumatologist will begin the evaluation by discussing your lifestyle, diet, and other medical conditions (if any). With this information, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan for osteoporosis pain.
We’re here to provide you with the best guidance, medications, testing, and physical therapy to help tackle low bone mineral density.
Available Osteoporosis Treatments
We believe in comprehensive osteoporosis treatment at ARBDA, addressing both the medical and lifestyle aspects of the condition. Our rheumatologists provide options ranging from over-the-counter medications to infusions designed to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fracture. Some patients may benefit from physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles and improving balance to prevent falls that could cause fractures.
Contact an ARBDA rheumatologist today if you’re ready to optimize your bone health. We’re committed to easing the challenges of osteoporosis and giving patients the confidence to live full, active lives.
What about other Autoimmune Conditions?
Our doctors are also expert in the care of patients suffering from other autoimmune conditions, offering the latest polymyalgia rheumatica treatments. The ARBDA team also includes bursitis specialists, psoriatic arthritis doctors and other seasoned rheumatologists.
Visit an ARBDA office to consult with the top osteoporosis specialists in New Jersey about medical treatment options for osteoporosis.