Bone Health & Osteoporosis
Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center
Take Control of Your Bone Health
Protecting your bones today can help you stay active and independent for years to come. Our team is here to guide you with expert care and a personalized approach to bone health.
Low bone density or bone health affects more than 50 million Americans. Find specialized care from our trusted providers to optimize your bone health and help avoid problems such as osteoporosis.
Better Together
With a strong partnership and more than 100+ providers, Premier Orthopaedics and Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center provide the full spectrum of orthopaedic services including bone, muscle and joint care; physical therapy; occupational therapy; MRI and Express Ortho Care. Patients trust our specialists for their experience, expertise and commitment to exceptional care.
Osteoporosis Prevention and Care
You may be at risk of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis and not even be aware of it. Your Premier Orthopaedics provider can run screening tests to determine your risk level and recommend lifestyle changes, exercises, medications, and supplements to increase the strength of your bones.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a bone density test of the hip and spine by a central DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) machine to diagnose osteoporosis. A bone density test is the test that can diagnose osteoporosis. It helps to estimate the density of your bones and your chance of breaking a bone.
We specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis, offering:
- Osteoporosis Screening & Prevention: Identify risk factors and develop a prevention plan.
- Fracture Risk Assessments: Understand and reduce your chances of fractures.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored therapies, medications, and lifestyle guidance.
- Calcium & Vitamin D Counseling: Essential nutrition for strong bones.
- Exercise & Fall Prevention Education: Strengthen bones and reduce injury risks.
Osteoporosis Prevention Tips
- Diet: Possibly the most important part of bone health is incorporating foods into your diet that your bones rely on. Your bones need calcium to be strong and they need vitamin D to absorb that calcium.
- Exercise: Daily exercise is crucial in maintaining strong, healthy bones, but it's important to engage in activities that won't be hard on your bones. Talk to your provider about creating a daily exercise routine for your bone health.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use: Research studies have identified smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture.
Terms That May Be Used When Diagnosing Osteoporosis
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) | A lack of the mineral calcium in the body. |
Fragility fracture | A fracture that results from low level trauma, such as a fall from standing height or less. |
Hyperparathyroidism | When overactive parathyroid glands cause too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). |
Insufficiency fracture | A type of stress fracture (broken bone) due to bone weakness. |
Non-healing fractures | Broken bones that do not heal after routine treatment. |
Osteopenia | When bones are weak but not as severely as bones with osteoporosis. |
Osteoporosis | Weak or brittle bones due to aging, lack of calcium or vitamin D, or hormone changes. |
Vitamin D deficiency | A lack of vitamin D, a nutrient that helps the body make strong bones. |
Who Should Visit Our Bone Health Clinic?
You may benefit from our services if you:
Are age 50 or older and concerned about bone loss
- Have a history of fractures or osteoporosis
- Take medications that affect bone density (e.g., steroids)
- Have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures
- Have a condition that affects bone health (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis / Low Bone Mass
- Females/Males older than 50
- Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
- Small & thin-framed women
- Postmenopausal women
- Men with low testosterone levels
- Inactive lifestyle
- Low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Use of steroids, antiseizure, and reflux medications
- Conditions such as Crohn's disease, Paget's disease, anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease
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Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or years of chronic pain, our orthopaedic specialists create personalized treatment plans that reduce pain, restore movement, and help you live more comfortably.