What is OSTEOPENIA?

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we often see patients who are suffering from osteopenia.  This condition is marked by a lower than normal bone mineral density, which means the person can have weak bones that fracture easily.  People who present with this condition are often thin Caucasians, who have a family history of osteoporosis.  Secondary risks include those who have eating disorders, or diseases that affect the absorption of nutrients from food, specifically Calcium or Vitamin D.  In addition, we see the condition in people who have been inactive or bedridden for long periods of time.  Osteopenia sufferers may also be those who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.  Unfortunately, there are no symptoms to osteopenia, but our staff diagnoses the threat by doing a DEXA scan (a form of X-ray) to detect the amount of bone loss in the patient’s body. (Do I Need a Bone Density Test?)  The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women, age 65 and older, should be screened for osteoporosis, which will also show if you have osteopenia.  If you are diagnosed with osteopenia, your treatment plan will include medication, but Calcium is the most critical mineral to build bone mass.  Therefore, a healthy diet, combined with exercise (specifically a weight-bearing routine), as well as making changes to your lifestyle would be recommended.  It is very important to know the medical history of those in your family, because your DNA could make you pre-determined to have osteopenia.  However, Dr. Hulon Crayton always reminds his patients that any pain is not normal!  Your first call should be to The Arthritis and Infusion Center; however, more research is available on our website as well at www.drcrayton.net.