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Osteoporosis Specialist

Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists

Rheumatologists located in Plantation, FL

Osteoporosis causes a bone fracture every three seconds, totaling 8.9 million fractures each year across the world. And these already-staggering numbers are expected to rise as the world’s population lives longer thanks to modern medicine. At Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists, Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela and Dr. Marilu Colon help their patients in Plantation, Florida, manage and slow this progressive disease. To avoid becoming a part of the osteoporosis statistics, call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

Osteoporosis Q & A

What is Osteoporosis?

Your bones are living tissues that are in a constant state of repair and regeneration. As you age, however, the rate at which your bones break down outpaces their ability to regenerate themselves, leaving you with bone density loss. This loss of density leaves your bones weak, brittle, and prone to fracture.

Osteoporosis affects white and Asian women more than any other group, especially those who have passed through menopause. Still, osteoporosis is a problem among men, too, just in smaller numbers.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a tough condition to identify because there are no outward symptoms. In fact, most cases are only diagnosed after a fracture, which is the leading sign that osteoporosis is at play. You may also experience a loss in height, or stooping, due to collapsing vertebrae.

The best way to find out whether you’re dealing with osteoporosis is to have a complete medical exam that measures your bone density.

How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

The only way to learn whether you have osteoporosis, without waiting for an unfortunate incident like a bone fracture, is to have one of the doctors at Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists take a look at what’s going on inside your body.

To do this, the doctors use a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool called bone densitometry, which they perform in-house for your convenience. Using X-ray technology, a machine scans your body to measure your bone mass.

What are the Treatments for Osteoporosis?

The good news with osteoporosis is that the earlier your doctor at Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists detects the disease, the better. There are many things you can do to slow the progressive bone loss, especially in its early stages, including:

  • Losing weight, if that’s an issue
  • Increasing your calcium, protein, and vitamin D intake for bone strength
  • Exercising to keep your bone tissue healthy

If your doctor finds you’re at risk for a fracture, you may be put on bisphosphonates to slow the loss of bone in your body. Your doctor may also try hormone replacement therapy.

Your doctor usually recommends a combination of medical treatments and at-home therapies to tackle your osteoporosis from every direction.

Don’t wait until a fracture gives you the first sign of osteoporosis. Call Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists for a bone density evaluation, or fill out the online form.

What we offer

Rheumatology & Immunology Services