Osteoporosis and Bone Health

Osteoporosis and Bone Health Care Center

People with osteoporosis often don’t know they have it until they experience a bone fracture. Sometimes, there are no obvious symptoms until this occurs. But these fractures are painful and can be life-threatening. Good nutrition, cessation of smoking, weight-bearing exercise and supplements can slow the loss of bone density while certain medications can help stop or reverse the process.

But to truly take care of your bone health, you need the orthopedic team of OIP in central PA watching out for you.

Osteoporosis: More Common Than You Think

Osteoporosis is an extremely prevalent bone disease in which the bones become weaker and brittle, making them more susceptible to break. This and other metabolic bone conditions that cause low bone mass are more common than you may think.

After you turn 50, osteoporosis occurs in one out of every three women and one out of every five men. These staggering statistics make early detection of the disorder essential. When you make an appointment at the Osteoporosis and Bone Health Care Center in Harrisburg, we can find out if you have osteoporosis and work with you to develop a course of treatment.

If we catch it in its early stages, osteoporosis treatment can prevent some of the most common side effects of the disease, including:

  • Bone density loss
  • Fractures
  • Loss of Height

Serving Patients in Central PA

OIP is central PA’s top orthopedic team of doctors and healthcare providers. That same tradition of excellence is offered to all patients who come to our Osteoporosis and Bone Health Care Center in Harrisburg.

We provide comprehensive screening, prevention and treatment services for osteoporosis. Caring for patients with osteoporosis involves a multi-faceted approach to bone health. Teenagers and premenopausal women need to optimize their bone density through diet and exercise. Postmenopausal women and men over the age of 65 often have undetected osteoporosis and may require treatment. Some may need blood screening to rule out any other causes of low bone density other than osteoporosis.

Treatment Options at OIP

Working closely with your OIP physician, we will find the best treatment options for you. We don’t look at those who come to us as just patients. We look at them as people — people who deserve the highest quality of care and have individual needs and concerns. That’s why we prefer to pursue conservative treatment options that preserve your quality of life.

All bone health treatment options will rely on a few different factors:

  • Your age
  • Current health
  • The extent of bone loss
  • Personal preferences

Some of our non-invasive treatments may include medication, diet change or the use of an assistive device. We will only advise surgery if it’s necessary, and only when we know it will significantly improve your quality of life.

Contact Our Osteoporosis and Bone Health Center Today

OIP’s compassionate staff is committed to improving the lives of everyone who walks through our doors. Don’t wait for a fracture to occur to find out you have low bone density.

Request an Appointment

If you would like an appointment for osteoporosis evaluation, care or prevention, please call 717-761-5530 to make an appointment with our osteoporosis coordinator, Kathy Mueller, PA-C.

Providers specializing in Osteoporosis and Bone Health

  • Kathy Mueller, PAC.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that women over 65, younger post-menopausal women who have osteoporosis risk factors and those who experience fractures due to minimal trauma should have a DEXA scan. Some risk factors for osteoporosis include:

  • Are a female past menopause
  • Are a smoker
  • Drink a lot of caffeine or carbonated beverages
  • Are small in stature and frame
  • Have diabetes melititus
  • Have Lupus
  • Have rheumatoid arthritis
  • Have hyperthyroidism

 

  • Have asthma
  • Have multiple sclerosis
  • Do not exercise
  • Have a history of fractures
  • Have taken steroids or anticonvulsants
  • Have a family history of osteoporosis
  • Have an eating disorder
  • Have had gastric bypass surgery

Help Is Available at OIP

Our staff is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our patients.

Request an Appointment
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