SOMA Orthopedics
Medical Group Inc.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a
disease in which the bones become weak and are more
likely to break. If not treated, it can progress
without pain until a bone breaks. The main areas
for bone fractures include hip, wrist and vertebral
(spine) fractures.
Nutrition:
Nutrition should
include a balanced diet with adequate protein,
calcium and Vitamin D intake. Excessive amounts of
salt and protein should be avoided. A diet high in
caffeine containing foods, such as coffee, appears
to increase bone loss. Extra fiber sprinkled on
food might interfere with calcium absorption. Some
calcium rich foods include: milk, yogurt, cheese,
ice cream, fish and shellfish (such as oysters,
sardines, salmon, and shrimp), vegetables (such as
broccoli, soybeans, almonds, and tofu). Your
physician may recommend calcium supplements. Some
Vitamin D rich foods include fortified milk, some
fortified cereals, and cold saltwater fish (such as
salmon, halibut, herring, tuna, oysters and
shrimp). Vitamin D can be manufactured in the skin
following direct exposure to sunlight.
Exercise:
Women and men older
than age 35 can slow bone loss with regular weight
bearing exercise. Walking, hiking, stair climbing,
tennis and dancing are good exercises to prevent
osteoporosis. Low impact exercises are better if
you have osteoporosis. If you have heart problems,
high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or are over
40 years old, check with you family physician
before starting an exercise routine. If you have
any chest pain or discomfort, stop exercising and
contact your family physician.
Smoking
Cessation: Smoking can increase the risk for
osteoporosis. Smokers are encouraged to stop
smoking as soon as possible.
Reducing Alcohol
Intake: Alcohol
can increase the risk for osteoporosis. Alcohol can
increase the risk for falls.
Medication:
Although there is no
cure for osteoporosis, there are several
medications that are approved by the FDA to prevent
and/or treat osteoporosis. It is important to take
your medications as ordered by you physician.
Blood Tests And
Diagnostic Testing: Specialized tests called bone
mineral density (BMD) tests can measure bone
density in various parts of the body. Bone density
is important to determine risks of fractures. It is
important to complete any blood work that your
physician recommends.
Reduce Risks For
Falls: Keep all
rooms free from clutter, especially on the floors.
Keep surfaces smooth, but not slippery. Wear
supportive, low heeled shoes. Do not walk around in
socks. Make sure that all carpets have skid proof
backings or are tacked to the floor, especially on
the stairs. Use a rubber bath mat in the shower.
Install grab bars in the bathroom. If unstable on
your feet, use a shower chair. Keep a flashlight
with fresh batteries beside the bed. Have light
switches located when you enter the rooms (or use
voice activated lights). Have a portable phone or
cell phone that you can carry with you. Reorganize
items to minimize difficult reaching. If unstable
on your feet, use a walker or cane. Have vision and
hearing checked. Alcohol can slow reflexes and
increase chance of falls. Have your family
physician review medications that may cause
dizziness.