Bone diseases are often complex and challenging to diagnose. In the United States alone, millions of people suffer from these conditions. A bone doctor, or orthopedic surgeon, is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating bone diseases. They can help you find the right treatment plan to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. There are many different types of diseases a bone doctor can help you with, such as the ones described below.
Osteoporosis
The term osteoporosis means “porous bone.” It is a disease in which bones lose density and become fragile. As the disease progresses, bones may break from a fall or even just from coughing or sneezing. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, while 34 million have low bone density, increasing their risk for the disease.
Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause when the body’s production of the hormone estrogen decreases. This condition can cause a woman’s bones to lose density more quickly. While osteoporosis is most common in older women, it can also affect men and people of all ages. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include a family history of the disease, having a small frame, living a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and taking certain medications.
A bone doctor can recommend treatment options to help prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis. These may include lifestyle changes, such as getting enough calcium and vitamin D, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. They may also prescribe medications to help improve bone density or reduce the risk of fractures.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a severe infection of the bone, which may come from bacteria, fungi, or a virus. The condition can damage bone and surrounding tissues, and often affects the spine, hip, and foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area, which may get worse over time.
You may develop osteomyelitis from an infection spreading through the bloodstream or after an injury or surgery. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system are also at increased risk for the disease. Treatments include antibiotics to kill the infection, surgery to remove the infected bone, and physical therapy to improve symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops when the cartilage in joints breaks down. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints, and often affects the knee, hip, and hand.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects older adults, but it can also occur in younger people. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it may possibly be from genetic and environmental factors. Treatment options for osteoarthritis include weight loss, exercise, pain relief medication, and surgery.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease is a bone disorder that occurs when the body breaks down and rebuilds bone mass too quickly. This condition can cause bones to become weak and break easily. The disease often affects the hip, spine, and leg. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks joints. It is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and often affects the hands, feet, and knees. Your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy, and surgery to help treat rheumatoid arthritis.
You can develop rheumatoid arthritis at any age, but it is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Women are also more likely to develop the disease than men. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it may possibly come from genetic and environmental factors.
Bone Tumors
A bone tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that grows in a bone. Bone tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can occur in any bone in the body. The symptoms of the disease depend on the size and location of the tumor. This may include pain, swelling, and weakness in the affected area.
Bone tumors can result from genetics, previous radiation therapy, and certain infections. Your doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to treat the disease.
Best Orthopedic Doctors In San Antonio, TX
A bone doctor can help you with different bone diseases. Examples include osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, Paget’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone tumors. If you are concerned about any of these conditions, make an appointment with a bone doctor today.
You can trust the experts at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine if you’re looking for the best orthopedic doctors in San Antonio. Our team of experienced providers can give you the comprehensive and compassionate care you deserve. You can call us today at (210) 692-7400 to learn more about our services. You can also use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation with an experienced bone doctor near you.
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