OSTEOPOROSIS CLINIC

Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment Options Available to You

Osteoporosis Clinic in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

Patients with osteoporosis can experience zero symptoms until the condition has progressed. To improve bone health throughout central Alabama, Southlake Orthopaedics offers a focused Osteoporosis Clinic. Here, our multi-specialty, board-certified physicians provide complete care to prevent and treat osteoporosis-related fractures. Find less pain, more living by scheduling an appointment at Southlake Orthopaedics, with locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL.

Identifying Osteoporosis

Bones provide structure for the body. They support its weight, protect vulnerable organs, and allow functional movement. Because of this, bone health is incredibly important. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density decreases. As the bones lose strength, they can no longer support the body effectively. In the later stages, this condition may lead to the following:

Back pain caused by a broken or collapsed vertebrae
Loss of height
A stooped posture
Decreasing physical mobility
Increased susceptibility to fracture

The bones most commonly affected are in the hips, spine, and hand and wrist. Because all these are important to mobility, the health risks are significant. Patients may experience major pain and loss of mobility if osteoporosis results in a fracture.

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease. This is because it does not typically have symptoms. Most patients do not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Despite the lack of obvious signs, however, osteoporosis is widespread. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 54 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis. The condition is among the most common causes of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men.

Who Does Osteoporosis Affect?

Osteoporosis can affect anyone, and it can be difficult to identify. Some individuals, however, are at greater risk than others. The following factors may result in a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis:

Age over 50
Post-menopause (for women)
Low testosterone (for men)
Small or slender body frame
A history of breast or prostate cancer
Two months or longer of steroid treatments, including prednisone or cortisone
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A family history of osteoporosis

If a patient fits one or more of these descriptions, they should consider visiting our osteoporosis clinic at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our multi-specialty physicians provide diagnostics and care to either prevent or treat osteoporosis, helping patients avoid injury and maintain their active lifestyles.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Though osteoporosis cannot always be identified without medical imaging tests, there are steps patients may take to prevent it or to slow its progress. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, patients are advised to do the following:

Regularly perform weight-bearing exercises, such as walking.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Avoid or quit smoking.
Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to foster good bone health.

Southlake Orthopaedics physicians may also prescribe medications for high-risk patients and those already managing osteoporosis. These medications are designed to maintain high vitamin levels and encourage bone growth, helping to slow or prevent breakdown.

Our Osteoporosis Clinic in Central AL

The Osteoporosis Clinic at Southlake Orthopaedics is a dedicated service focused on care and education for bone health. It is driven by Lauren Bannon, PA, Osteoporosis Specialist, under the direction of Christopher A. Heck, MD. They aim to provide effective osteoporosis treatment and prevention, with the following objectives:

Reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fracture
Improve the healing process after fracture
Strengthen bones and break the brittleness cycle

For patients with fractures, Southlake Orthopaedics also provides complete orthopedic care. All services, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, are available under a single roof to ensure our patient’s comfort and the best possible outcomes.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the hip bones do not form normally during a child’s growing years. Instead, extra bone (bone spurs) grows along one or both bones that form the hip joint. The improper hip structure causes the bones to rub against each other during movement, creating friction that can lead to joint damage and limited mobility.

Find Treatment for Osteoporosis in Central AL

If you are in a risk demographic for osteoporosis or have recently suffered a fracture, don’t wait. Find less pain, more living by visiting the Osteoporosis Clinic at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our clinic is open in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL. Learn more about osteoporosis by listening to Dr. Heck and Steve Spencer on the Birmingham Medical News Podcast, or contact us to request an appointment.

If you have questions about our Osteoporosis Clinic or would like to schedule an appointment with Lauren Bannon, Osteoporosis Specialist, call (205) 985-4191 or fax at 205-209-3074

OSTEOPOROSIS CLINIC

Understanding Osteoporosis Treatment Options Available to You

Osteoporosis Clinic in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

Identifying Osteoporosis

Who Does Osteoporosis Affect?

Preventing Osteoporosis

Our Osteoporosis Clinic in Central AL

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Find Treatment for Osteoporosis in Central AL

Connect with us

what we do

Osteoporosis Clinic

HOOVER

BIRMINGHAM-GRANDVIEW