Osteoporosis

More than half of Americans over 50 have osteoporosis — and most don’t find out until they break a bone. At Pacific Rheumatology Center, leading board-certified rheumatologist Behnam Khaleghi, MD, uses a comprehensive integrative approach that focuses on protecting you from osteoporosis and preventing broken bones. The two offices in Tustin and Laguna Hills, California, offer state-of-the-art technology and leading-edge treatments in a welcoming environment. To schedule your osteoporosis screening, call the nearest location or click the online scheduler today.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is significant bone thinning. With osteoporosis, your bones are weak. They’re likely to break, even with a minor fall. Osteoporosis is common. About 10 million Americans have the disease. 

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis? 

When you’re young, you lose and replace bone constantly. But by your mid-30s, bone loss occurs faster, and replacement happens slower. 

It’s normal to have less bone mass as you age. Not everyone gets osteoporosis, but people should know that the risk increases as you age.

Other risk factors are:

• Being female: 8 in 10 people with osteoporosis are female
• Hormone loss: osteoporosis is more common after menopause
• Genetics: a parent with osteoporosis or a hip fracture
• Body size: thin people have less dense bones
• Diet: too little calcium and vitamin D
• Medication: long-term use of certain drugs, like steroids
• Alcohol use: chronic heavy drinking
• Smoking: cigarette smoking 
• Physical activity: not doing enough weight-bearing exercises

Some diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, are connected to a higher risk of osteoporosis. 

Why does having rheumatoid arthritis raise my risk of osteoporosis?

Half of the people with rheumatoid arthritis have osteoporosis. With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the joint lining, which causes inflammation. 

This inflammation can trigger the body to make cells that destroy bone. Joint inflammation can also reduce bone mineral levels, increasing the rate of bone loss. 

How does the doctor manage osteoporosis?

The Pacific Rheumatology Center team monitors your osteoporosis risk factors. Women 65 and older need a bone scan. The scan checks vital areas like the spine, hip, or wrist for osteoporosis. 

You may need an earlier bone scan based on risk factors. Men may need bone scans based on their risk factors. 

If you have osteoporosis, the team creates a personalized treatment plan. The goals are preventing bone loss and fractures while improving bone density. Treatment may include calcium and vitamin D supplements, lifestyle changes, oral medication, or injections such as Reclast®. 

Lifestyle changes include being physically active, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a well-balanced diet. 

Treating your osteoporosis can give you an excellent quality of life. But start as early as possible. Call the nearest Pacific Rheumatology Center or click the provided online scheduling button now.