Bone Health
Bones play many key roles in our bodies: they provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Optimal bone health is essential to healthy aging, as it can prevent the risk of injuries. At Ashford Orthopedics Specialist, our skilled orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist William Ashford, MD can treat various musculoskeletal conditions in Athens and Longville, Georgia.
What Is Bone Health?
Bone health is an orthopedics and sports medicine subspecialty that identifies and treats medical conditions that affect the bones. Dr. Ashford focuses on these two specific conditions:
Osteopenia
This condition refers to the loss of bone density, meaning your bones don’t have as much minerals as they should. It’s usually a warning sign that you are at fracture risk.
Osteoporosis
If osteopenia is left untreated, it develops into osteoporosis. This “silent” disease virtually has no symptoms, yet you may notice a few changes in your body. Pay attention if you:
- Lose an inch or more of height
- You stoop or bend forward more than you did before
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back pain in your lumbar area
Who Should Get Their Bone Health Checked?
Most people need their bone density checked after they turn 50, as your bones naturally decrease their ability to remodel themselves. Yet, some groups of people are more likely to suffer from bone health conditions:
- Females, especially after menopause
- People with a family history of low bone density
- People who are naturally thin or have a “smaller frame”
- Smokers
At the same time, certain aspects of your lifestyle and diet can make you prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Including:
- Failing to incorporate calcium and vitamin D in your diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Regular alcohol consumption (more than two drinks a day)
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
What Happens During a Bone Health Appointment?
First, Dr. Ashford will review your medical records, and ask about your symptoms and current lifestyle. Then, he will complete a bone density test, which uses X-ray imaging to measure how much minerals and calcium are stored in your body.
If the test comes back positive for low bone density, Dr. Ashford will create a comprehensive and personalized treatment for you to get better.
How Do We Treat Them?
At Ashford Orthopedics Specialists, Dr. Ashford treats bone health conditions with a natural approach. After your appointment, he can suggest you:
- Strengthen your bones and muscles with weight-bearing exercises.
- Physical therapy to improve strength and balance.
- Supplements to support bone health, like vitamin D and calcium.
Why Are Our Treatments Beneficial?
Treating your bone health conditions is crucial for:
- Preventing fractures: Bone health conditions weaken your bones, making them prone to fractures. Treating your condition can help strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of a painful and debilitating fracture.
- Maintaining and enhancing mobility: You need strong bones to have good mobility and stay active as you age.
- Improving quality of life: Bone health treatments alleviate pain and discomfort, leading to a better overall quality of life.
- Reducing healthcare costs: Fracture prevention reduces the need for surgeries, hospital stays and long-term treatment and care, leading to ultimately lowering your healthcare costs.
- Boost your overall health: Good bone health means overall health and well-being. Treatments include lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on your heart, muscles, and quality of life.
If you are over 50 or just entered menopause, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today to get your bone health checked.