Osteoporosis Strikes Younger Than You’d Think

Osteoporosis affects 10 million Americans. When left untreated, it can result in fractures, most commonly of the wrist, spine, and hip. There are typically no symptoms associated with osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. A diagnosis of osteoporosis is most commonly made after a fracture has occurred or after a patient has undergone a bone mineral density study, called a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan. 

Though it’s not typically diagnosed in people until age 65 and beyond, doctors say people need to be aware of the risk factors of the disease when they hit 50 years old.

Smoking and alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis at a younger age, while habitually drinking an excessive amount of soda can leach much-needed calcium from your bones.

Contact Orthpaedic Associates at 850-863-2153 to ask us more about osteoporosis or available treatment options.