“What's the treatment for osteoporosis?”
My grandmother wasn't experiencing osteoporosis until she fell and had a bone fracture. The doctor only told us that she should change her diet and take vitamins and supplements. What other treatments should she have?
4 Answers
Have her get a DEXA scan to assess her osteoporosis. Vitamin d +calcium is common first line. A dexa scan will guide her treatment regiment though
There are many medications that treat osteoporosis. There is not actually not that much data showing extra calcium or vitamin D changes the results from a dexa scan unless there is a deficiency. Weight bearing exercises definitely are important for treatment. Bisphosphonates (such as fosamax and boniva) and rank-ligand inhibitors ( prolia) have good data for the treatment of osteoporosis. Depending on risk for falls and fractures will affect how aggressive treatment should be.
There are several options. I recommend you have your grandmother see her primary care physician to discuss options.
To Our Health and Success,
Kathleen E. Sharp, MD
To Our Health and Success,
Kathleen E. Sharp, MD
She needs a DEXA scan to determine the degree of osteoporosis in her hips & spine. She needs daily supplemental vitamin D. There are multiple medications available to help treat her osteoporosis. She may need to see an endocrinologist for aggressive treatment.
