Treatment for Osteoporosis

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The devastating effects of osteoporosis can be prevented. That's why it's important to work with your health care provider, know something about the disease, and understand what to do if it becomes an issue in your life. The following information -- on early detection, exercise, diet, medication, and safety -- may help.

Early Detection

If you learn your risk of osteoporosis early on, it won't have a chance to cause serious physical damage, or curtail your mobility and lifestyle. To assess the risk, your bone density needs to be measured. A bone densitometry test is the safest method for accomplishing this. The test is easy, comfortable and quick, and will give your doctor all the information needed to determine your risk of osteoporosis. If the test proves you're at risk, your doctor can help you take the appropriate preventative action. If the test shows you have osteoporosis, your doctor will help you determine the best treatment. Most importantly: Keep a positive attitude and know that osteoporosis can be treated as well as prevented.
The Osteoporosis Center of Simi Valley has the best, most up-to-date bone densitometry equipment, and deeply experienced professionals who can perform the test. If you're working directly with the center, Dr. Diane Narhi will help you understand the results. If you have been referred to the center, the test results will be forwarded promptly to your referring physician.

Exercise

Many osteoporosis prevention methods also help slow its course. So keep up your weight-bearing exercise. Find activities you truly enjoy. So many are effective: walking, running, tennis, low-impact aerobics, and so many more.

Diet

Good nutrition is another osteoporosis preventative that helps control the disease. Though calcium and vitamin D cannot cure osteoporosis, they may slow its progress.
Many foods are calcium-rich. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, shellfish, sardines, oysters, brazil nuts, tofu and almonds are all excellent sources. Some foods can be fortified with calcium: orange juice, bread, and cereals. Read the labels to check. And if you don't get enough calcium in your diet, you might consider calcium supplements.

Take enough vitamin D. It increases the amount of calcium your body absorbs and helps build bone. Liver, fish oil and vitamin-D fortified milk are good sources. It's also produced by your body in response to sunlight.

The amount of calcium and vitamin D you need depends on your sex, age and risk of osteoporosis, so consult your physician to make sure you're obtaining enough of these osteoporosis-critical nutrients -- and cut down on alcoholic beverages and smoking.

Medication

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) currently approves three types of medication for the treatment of osteoporosis: estrogen, alendronate and calcitonin. And there are three types of medication for prevention of osteoporosis: estrogen, alendronate and raloxifene.
Estrogen is important for maintaining bone in women, so physicians often prescribe estrogen replacement therapy for women at menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a way to protect bone during the years of rapid bone loss immediately following menopause. When started later in life, estrogen is also effective in increasing bone mineral density and preventing fracture.

Biphosphonates are compounds that inhibit bone breakdown and slow bone removal; they have been shown to increase bone density and decrease the risk of fractures at both the hip and spine. Alendronate (e.g., Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that has been approved by the FDA for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Calcitonin is often prescribed by doctors for men and women already suffering from osteoporosis. It is also a treatment for women who cannot or choose not to take estrogen. In women who are at least five years beyond menopause, calcitonin slows bone loss, increases spinal bone density, and, according to anecdotal reports, relieves the pain associated with bone fractures. Calcitonin may reduce the risk of spinal and hip fractures as well, but studies on fracture reduction are ongoing. Because calcitonin is a protein, it cannot be taken orally as it would be digested before it could work. Calcitonin is available as an injection or nasal spray.

Raloxifene (e.g., Evista) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator which has been recently approved for prevention, not treatment of osteoporosis.

Safety

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you must take all possible precautions to avoid falls and accidents because they lead to fracture. Pay attention, and keep yourself and your environment safe.
The following are important for avoiding falls and accidents:

Exercise to tone your balance and agility

Wear well-supporting shoes with low heels and non-slip soles

Have regular vision checks and wear contacts or glasses if necessary

Minimize clutter in your home

Use non-skid mats near the kitchen stove and sink

Make sure kitchen items are within easy reach, and use a steady stepstool for items out of reach

Be aware if you are taking medications that cause dizziness

Keep your home well-lit

Keep a flashlight by your bed

Avoid throw rugs, and use non-slip backing if you can't avoid them

Tack down carpet edges

Use only non-skid floor wax

Remove electrical cord from traffic areas

Install handrails for stairways

Use a rubber mat or rubberized decals in showers and tubs

Install handrails in bathrooms by tub, toilet and shower

Be alert for wet floors

Mop up spills immediately

While driving, adjust the seat properly and wear seat belts

Avoid heavy lifting and bending

Be continually on-the-watch for ways to improve the safety of your environment