DiagnosisYour bone density can be measured by a machine that uses low levels of X-rays to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones. During this painless test, you lie on a padded table as a scanner passes over your body. In most cases, only certain bones are checked — usually in the hip and spine. Show
TreatmentTreatment recommendations are often based on an estimate of your risk of breaking a bone in the next 10 years using information such as the bone density test. If your risk isn't high, treatment might not include medication and might focus instead on modifying risk factors for bone loss and falls. BisphosphonatesFor both men and women at increased risk of fracture, the most widely prescribed osteoporosis medications are bisphosphonates. Examples include:
Side effects include nausea, abdominal pain and heartburn-like symptoms. These are less likely to occur if the medicine is taken properly. Intravenous forms of bisphosphonates don't cause stomach upset but can cause fever, headache and muscle aches. A very rare complication of bisphosphonates is a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone. A second rare complication is delayed healing of the jawbone (osteonecrosis of the jaw). This can occur after an invasive dental procedure, such as removing a tooth. DenosumabCompared with bisphosphonates, denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva) produces similar or better bone density results and reduces the chance of all types of fractures. Denosumab is delivered via a shot under the skin every six months. Similar to bisphosphonates, denosumab has the same rare complication of causing breaks or cracks in the middle of the thighbone and osteonecrosis of the jaw. If you take denosumab, you might need to continue to do so indefinitely. Recent research indicates there could be a high risk of spinal column fractures after stopping the drug. Hormone-related therapyEstrogen, especially when started soon after menopause, can help maintain bone density. However, estrogen therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer and blood clots, which can cause strokes. Therefore, estrogen is typically used for bone health in younger women or in women whose menopausal symptoms also require treatment. Raloxifene (Evista) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen. Taking this drug can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. Hot flashes are a possible side effect. Raloxifene also may increase your risk of blood clots. In men, osteoporosis might be linked with a gradual age-related decline in testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve symptoms of low testosterone, but osteoporosis medications have been better studied in men to treat osteoporosis and thus are recommended alone or in addition to testosterone. Bone-building medicationsIf you have severe osteoporosis or if the more common treatments for osteoporosis don't work well enough, your doctor might suggest trying:
After you stop taking any of these bone-building medications, you generally will need to take another osteoporosis drug to maintain the new bone growth. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most
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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesThese suggestions might help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis or breaking bones:
Preparing for your appointmentYour doctor might suggest bone density testing. Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for all women over age 65. Some guidelines also recommend screening men by age 70, especially if they have health issues likely to cause osteoporosis. If you have a broken bone after a minor force injury, such as a simple fall, bone density testing may be important to assess your risk of more fractures. If the test results show very low bone density or you have other complex health issues, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in metabolic disorders (endocrinologist) or a doctor who specializes in diseases of the joints, muscles or bones (rheumatologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can do
For osteoporosis, basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:
Aug. 21, 2021 Which action by a 70 year old female would best limit further progression of osteoporosis?Bone-healthy lifestyle
Data show that aerobic, weight bearing and resistance exercise increases BMD of the spine and that walking alone increases BMD of both the hip and the spine in postmenopausal women. This type of exercise should be encouraged in older seniors too.
Which parts of a clients body would the nurse assess for the presence of tophi?Over time, the uric acid forms crystals that clump together. These clumps, called tophi, settle in your joints, where they cause pain. Sometimes the tophi are visible and appear as lumps under the skin. They can show up almost anywhere, but are most common on feet, hands, ankles, elbows, and even ears.
Which suggestion would the nurse make to a client with rheumatoid arthritis who asks about ways to decrease morning stiffness?Using a heated blanket or having a warm bath first thing in the morning can help to ease the stiffness and loosen the joints. As little as 5 minutes of exercise can ease symptoms. Try some range-of-motion exercises, which involve moving the joints as far as possible in different directions.
Which parts of a client's body would the nurse assess for the presence of tophi urate deposits )? Select all that apply?The answer is D. Tophi are white/yellowish nodules that are urate crystals. They start to form together in large masses and can be found under the skin (helix ears, elbows, fingers, toes etc.), joints, bursae, bones, which can lead to bone deformity and joint damage.
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