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Osteoporosis Management
Posted on 06-13-2025 in Osteoporosis & Bone Health by Dr. Ryan Riggs
Posted on 06-13-2025 in Osteoporosis & Bone Health by Dr. Ryan Riggs
We see our share of broken bones as an orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. From the high school baseball player who collided with first base a little too hard to the avid DIY’er who took a tumble from an unsecured ladder and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. As we age, we also gradually lose bone mass, which occurs as small amounts of healthy bone are absorbed into your body as small amounts are replaced. When more bone is absorbed than is replaced, the density (bone mass) is reduced. Osteoporosis develops when the bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, and over time, it causes the bone to become progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break.
Who Is At Risk?
Although Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women, especially non-Hispanic and Asian females, both older men and women from all backgrounds are at risk for the disease. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, risk factors include those who have certain types of autoimmune, hematological, gastrointestinal, endocrinal and neurological disorders, as well as various other diseases and conditions.
Additionally, some medicines taken for other conditions may contribute to bone loss, which can increase exponentially with higher doses over more extended periods. Pregnancy, as well as a history of breast or prostate cancer, may also put you at higher risk. Other factors contributing to Osteoporosis include:
How We Can Help
As a chronic “silent” disease, the rates of progression and the effects can differ based on various factors, and patients often go undiagnosed with Osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we provide individualized treatment plans designed to proactively address bone loss, manage recovery of existing fractures and reduce the risk of future injury.
Fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Ryan Riggs specializes in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients with bone health issues, including Osteoporosis, through proper screenings, therapies and education. Dr. Riggs takes a comprehensive approach to each patient, evaluating for possible underlying or undiagnosed health conditions affecting bone health and prescribes a treatment regimen that fits each patient. Several treatment options are available to prevent or slow further bone loss and to help maintain or increase bone density. Through proper diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, many fractures can be avoided altogether. Learn more about Dr. Riggs or book your consultation today using our online appointment request form.
Additional Blog Resources:
https://www.northflboneandjoint.com/posts/healthy-aging-and-bone-health
https://www.northflboneandjoint.com/posts/strong-bones-and-aging
Hand Therapy services at our Pensacola office, located on 9th Avenue, and our Gulf Breeze location at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (Ste. 209) provide an opportunity to treat both acute and chronic conditions or injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our fellowship-trained surgeons work closely with our exceptional Certified Hand Therapists to develop a comprehensive course of treatment to improve outcomes related to conditions and injuries of the upper extremities, including the following:
Arthritis is the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning” due to injury, illness or the natural process of aging. Translated to “inflammation of the joint,” this painful condition is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body. As we make our way into May for National Arthritis Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the symptoms, causes, and risk factors and explore non-surgical treatment options such as hyaluronic acid injections.
Arthritis represents a wide variety of joint inflammation diseases. Patients most often have chronic Arthritis in their wrists, hands, and fingers, experiencing flares of inflammation, soreness or stiffness affecting the joints. As we recently wrapped up Bone & Joint Action Week, this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the most common categories of Arthritis, proactive methods for pain prevention and available treatment solutions.