What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes brittle bones, which increases the risk of fractures.
That’s why people with osteoporosis know that any fall can be dangerous.
At LIMA our rheumatology experts use research-based practices to improve your bone health and avoid fractures, doing everything possible to help you live a full, active life
Your bones are actively at work replacing worn-out tissue with new tissue. When you have osteoporosis, bone tissue wears away faster than it gets replaced. Bones become brittle, leaving you at risk for fracture, especially in your wrists, hips, and spine.
Fractures in these areas are particularly painful and can threaten your independence. Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk.
Fragility Fracture Care
50% of women over the age of 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Care following a fragility fracture is essential in preventing another (potentially life-threatening) fracture.
LIMA’s Central PA Osteoporosis Center provides:
- Bone Density Screenings
- Fall Risk Evaluations
- Physical therapy to increase stability and strength to reduce fracture risk
- Coordination with your primary care provider to make sure treatments work with your overall health goals
Preventive care for osteoporosis
We consider your medical needs and preferences while developing a personalized plan to prevent fractures.
Your plan may include:
- Nutrition counseling: We help you find foods you like to eat that also contain vitamin D and calcium to support stronger bones.
- Physical activity: Getting active by walking or gardening a few times per week may help strengthen your bones. These activities also improve coordination, which lowers your risk for falls.
- Lifestyle changes: Tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol interfere with your natural ability to grow strong bones. Quitting tobacco and limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake may help you stay on track for good bone health.
- Medication: We may recommend certain prescription medications to slow or stop bone loss and rebuild bones.
- Preventing falls: Taking steps to avoid falls lowers your fracture risk. Consider wearing shoes with non-slip soles and keeping household items, such as the TV remote control, within easy reach. Age-appropriate Yoga, Tai Chi or fall prevention classes can be helpful
- Regular testing: Bone density testing every 1-2 years depending on the medical circumstances helps us monitor your bone health and determine if you need additional treatments through advanced bone X-ray tests (DXA).
- DXA should routinely be performed at the same place to ensure optimal correlation to prior studies.
Contact us
Call (717) 273-6706 Ext. 1166 to learn more about the The Central PA Osteoporosis Center or schedule an appointment.