As women age, their bones change. A diagnosis of osteoporosis means bone mass or density is lost, resulting in pain or an increased likelihood of fractures. Osteoarthritis symptoms include joint that become stiffer and less flexible as fluid in the joints decreases and the cartilage begins to rub together and erode.
Minerals may deposit in some joints (calcification). This is common in the shoulder. Hip and knee joints may begin to lose structure (degenerative changes). The finger joints lose cartilage and the bones thicken slightly. Finger joint changes are more common in women and may be hereditary. Some joints, such as the ankle, typically change very little with aging. Many of these bone changes can lead to osteoarthritis and diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, with symptoms usually appearing in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 it is more common in women.
The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears. At DeKalb Medical, the goal of osteoarthritis treatment is to:
• Increase the strength of the joints.
• Maintain or improve joint movement.
• Reduce the disabling effects of the disease.
• Relieve pain.
Osteoporosis Symptoms
Osteoporosis, the most common type of bone disease, is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. An estimated 10 million Americans have a diagnosis of osteoporosis, and another 18 million have low bone mass, or osteopenia, which may eventually lead to osteoporosis if not treated. Researchers estimate that about one out of five American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine).
DeKalb Medical’s team of experts provides treatment for osteoporosis symptoms to help:
• Control the pain.
• Slow down or stop bone loss.
• Prevent bone fractures with medicines.
• Minimize the risk of falls that might cause fractures.
DeKalb Medical provides a DEXA Scan which is one of the most common ways to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis and is recommended for all women over age 65.
Women with symptoms of osteoporosis can find help and treatment through DeKalb Medical’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Solutions for Women program. Osteoporosis treatment may include physical and occupational and is designed to help patients attain their maximum potential for reducing pain and inflammation while improving deficits such as strength, balance, endurance and joint range of motion. A healthy diet is an important way to prevent diagnosis of osteoporosis. |