Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that causes them to break down over time, making you more likely to have a fracture injury. Unfortunately, it is often called the “silent disease” because many people are unaware of their condition until they experience a fracture. One in five Americans suffers from low bone density, and a previous fracture related to this condition increases the likelihood of another fracture by 86%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bone Health?
Bone Health is a new service offered by AFO to treat patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis who have sustained a fragility fracture. This program aims to treat patients with osteoporosis and reduce the risk of further fracture (s) in the future.
What services will be offered?
Patients will initially undergo a fracture risk assessment and fall risk assessment. Then they will be referred for further testing, including bone density (DEXA) and laboratory blood work for vitamin D, calcium, and kidney function. After reviewing your test results, your provider will formulate an individual treatment plan that will best fit your needs.
Who qualifies for this program?
Established patients who have completed treatment for a fragility fracture and are currently not undergoing treatment for osteoporosis will qualify. Fragility fractures include vertebral compression fracture (spine), proximal femur fracture (hip), and distal radius fracture (wrist).
How do I refer a patient?
Please call or have your patients call 727-527-5272 to set up an appointment for the Bone Health Clinic.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
It’s caused by a variety of factors, such as normal aging, gender, smoking, drinking, lifestyle changes, taking drugs, certain illnesses, and having a broken bone. There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but there are many treatments that can help make your bones stronger and less likely to break.
Additionally, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of getting it. Preventive measures are all about figuring out what’s causing your bones to break down and making changes to your lifestyle.
For millions of Americans, having reduced mobility and strength from everyday activities puts them at risk for injury. Falls or walking can cause a fracture, and even a cough or sneeze can crack a vertebra in your spine or ribcage, so it’s important to take care of your bones to avoid a painful injury.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
At the Bone Health Clinic, we focus beyond prevention. Our goal is to keeping you active and staying healthy. We’ll work with you to create an individualized plan for treating low bone density, which may include medication, physical therapy, exercise, and treating underlying medical conditions. We’ll also consider your lifestyle and medical history, if you’ve had a fracture or injury that didn’t heal as quickly as expected, laboratory tests, and more.
Osteoporosis may put you at risk for a painful injury, but it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your life. Regain control by investing in your bone health. If you have concerns about your bone health or have had a fracture, schedule an appointment with the Bone Health Clinic.
Qualified Providers that Can Help
