Osteoporosis: Signs to Watch Out For

A silent disease is one that has no obvious symptoms to the sufferer or the outside world, and this can include their own doctor. When you have a rash, you know there’s a problem, but other health issues aren’t so obvious.

Osteoporosis, the condition that weakens your bones, puts you at risk for a number of challenges, from sudden fractures to decreased stature

Dr. Peter Khamvongsa and the team at The Miami Institute of Urogynecology and Minimally Invasive Surgery approach osteoporosis with an eye toward prevention as well as advanced care if you have been diagnosed. 

Dr. Khamvongsa treats women of every age and stage and offers coordinated care, whether you’re expecting a baby, dealing with a gynecological issue, or taking on osteoporosis. 

Risk factors for osteoporosis

It’s important to be aware of the risk factors for osteoporosis to get an idea of your likelihood of being diagnosed with it. You’re more prone to osteoporosis if it runs in your family, and if you’re:

• Postmenopausal
• Caucasian
• Small-framed
• A smoker
• An excessive drinker of alcohol
• Inactive 

But there’s a lot you can do to prevent osteoporosis, including exercises like running, dancing, and using weights, and ensuring you get enough calcium and Vitamin D  for your age.

Signs of osteoporosis

You should know the red flags of osteoporosis. If you see any of these signs, come see us so we can prevent any further compromising of your bone strength. 

1. Fragility fractures: The most startling sign of osteoporosis is experiencing — seemingly out of the blue — a broken bone as a result of something very minor, like hitting something or having a minor fall. 

These fractures occur over 2 million times per year. If you experience one, your risk for experiencing another goes up by a whopping 86%.

1. Stooped stance: Osteoporosis causes a noticeable hump — kyphoscoliosis — in the upper back that is caused by the compression of your vertebrae. In addition to looking uncomfortable and altering your posture, it can cause discomfort and pain. 
2. Reduction in height: When your vertebrae disintegrate, which happens as you lose bone density, you literally shrink. If you notice a progressive height loss, it could be due to osteoporosis. 
3. Lower back pain: The fractured vertebrae that accompany osteoporosis can also cause chronic lower back pain, which also leads to limited mobility. This type of problem truly affects your daily quality of life.
4. Shortness of breath: Asthma and COPD medications have been linked to osteoporosis because they inhibit your ability to properly absorb calcium. 

In addition to these physical symptoms, your mood can be greatly affected by osteoporosis. Self-consciousness about your posture, worry about whether you’ll fall, and simply living with a chronic condition may cause you to feel depressed and disempowered. 

Prevention is key for osteoporosis

In order to be checked for osteoporosis, Dr. Khamvongsa will likely order screening tests for you that measure bone density and strength. And no matter what your age, a discussion of bone health is part of your routine care. 

Aside from being aware of how at-risk you are for osteoporosis, it’s vital to practice preventive strategies to either keep it at bay or halt the disease in its tracks. 

Raise your bone health awareness

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khamvongsa to discuss your risk for osteoporosis, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and how to slow its progress and treat it effectively. Simply call our office at 786-220-8664 or use our online booking tool.