Know Your Numbers: Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Dr. Hulon E. Crayton wants men to "know your numbers". It is important to know testosterone levels as men age.  However, it is also important to note that "Low T"  does not strictly apply to aging men. Low T can affect men in their 20's and 30's. In this video blog, Dr. Crayton explains warning signs of low testosterone. 

Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone:                                              

• Loss of sexual desire                                                            
• Fatigue
• Loss of muscle strength
• Loss of muscle endurance
• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Osteoporosis

The diagnosis of low testosterone is not disastrous. There are simple ways to restore healthy levels. It is important to remember that a Bone Density Study is necessary to detect Osteoporosis, or the early signs of Osteoporosis, with men diagnosed with low testosterone.

Remember, Pain is Not Normal! The team at The Arthritis & Infusion Center is here to help. Call today for an appointment.

“Don’t wait until you can no longer walk.”

During the 2012 Olympics, we saw the story of American Manteo Mitchell who broke his leg during a race, and still finished first. However, he was a trained athlete and was 25 years old! As we age, we really need to begin to “listen” to our body and not wait until we can no longer walk. Here are some common issues treated by Dr. Hulon Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center:

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. According to PubMed Health, Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you have:

·         Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)

·         Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces

·         Sudden weight gain or obesity

·         Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)

·         Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women. However, it most often affects active men ages 40 - 70. Treatment may include medication or injections into the problem area.

Bone density should also be carefully monitored as we age. Dr. Crayton recommends a Bone Density Scan in order to determine how fragile your bones are, and then he can recommend treatment according to your test results. 

 Do not ignore your symptoms until you can no longer walk!  Dr. Crayton constantly reminds people:  “Pain is not normal!”  Let The Arthritis and Infusion Center help!

Do I Need a Bone Density Test?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease.  One in three men, and one in four women, will die within a year of a hip fracture.  Early detection is the key to preventing this silent killer.  A Bone Density Test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for this dreaded disease.  Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more fragile and therefore, break more easily.

 According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the following people should seriously consider having a bone density test:

• Women, 65 years of age or older … or … a postmenopausal woman, under age 65, with one or more risks factors for osteoporosis … or … a postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking estrogen therapy or hormone therapy.

• Men, 70 years of age or older … or … if you’re a man between the ages of 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

• Both men and women, over the age of 50, who have experienced a broken bone.

            Bone density tests are used to identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone, because they enable to Dr. Hulon Crayton to know your risks for breakage.  The test is quick, painless, and is the preferred method to measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

            So what are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

1.      Getting older, since bones weaken as you age.

2.      Your ethnic background: Caucasian/white women, or women of Southeast Asian descent, have the greatest risk of osteoporosis; however, all women certainly can have a significant risk of the disease, so a test to determine your BMD is in order, especially if you are postmenopausal.

3.      If you are of average height and weigh less than 125 pounds.

4.      Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures.  Or, if you have a personal history of fractures after the age of 40.

There is no real preparation needed for this test, but it’s as simple as calling The Arthritis and Infusion Center to schedule your appointment.  Call (850) 873-6748 or go to www.DrCrayton.net for additional contact information regarding our practice.  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

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.