How your primary care doctors in Brandon, FL, can help prevent and treat osteoporosis
Your body goes through a lot of changes as you get older, especially if you are a woman going through perimenopause or menopause. The decrease in hormone levels can cause problems with your bones, leading to a condition known as osteoporosis. Your primary care doctor knows all about diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and can help you keep your bones strong.
Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers at Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, provide family and women’s health services, including treatment of osteoporosis.
It can be difficult to know if you are developing osteoporosis because there are often no signs or symptoms until you break a bone.
You might have osteoporosis if:
- You are developing a stooped posture
- You have difficulty standing up straight
- You’ve lost inches in height in recent years
- You experience spine or back pain, which can be caused by collapsed vertebra
Osteoporosis causes your bones to become brittle, so that they fracture easily. Common fracture sites include your spine, hips, wrists, and ankles.
There are factors which can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. These are:
- Being older
- Being female
- Having a small body frame
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
All women go through menopause, but there are some things you can do to help prevent osteoporosis. Diet modification is critical. You need to make sure you eat foods that are nutrient dense, including:
- Protein from lean meats, soy, nuts, and legumes
- Calcium with at least 1200 mg. from several sources including low-fat dairy, green vegetables, soy, or canned salmon or sardines
- Vitamin D with at least 600-800 IU from several sources including supplements and sunlight
Exercise is another important way to keep your bones strong. Include strength training, weight bearing, and balancing exercises in your regimen.
To learn more about prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, call Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers of Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL. You can reach them in the office by calling (813) 655-4646, so call now.