Osteoporosis Clinic of the Finger Lakes
Osteoporosis Clinic of the Finger Lakes
The The Osteoporosis Clinic of the Finger Lakes (PDF) offers treatment to individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis and related bone diseases, along with preventive plans of action to maintain bone health. We focus on practical ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis, as well as the fractures that may accompany this disease. We are committed to providing quality treatment for osteoporosis and bone health to our patients in the Finger Lakes region.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a common disease affecting women and men as they age. With osteoporosis, bones become fragile and are more likely to break. Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone,” and the disease results in an increased loss of bone mass and strength. The disease often progresses painlessly until a bone breaks. Broken bones, or fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist, with hip and spinal fractures having particularly serious consequences. Osteoporosis takes its toll slowly over time, when neither the patient nor the doctor is aware that the bones are weakening. However, osteoporosis does not have to be a normal part of the aging process.
Are you at risk?
There are a variety of factors that can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis. These include both controllable and uncontrollable factors. Together, you and your healthcare provider can develop a plan to protect your bones.
Finger Lakes Health offers the gold standard in diagnosis. Through technology called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry — or DEXA — the bone densitometer measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites (mainly hip and spine) that are most susceptible to fracture due to osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. DEXA is the most technologically advanced equipment in bone density diagnosis with a 99% accuracy rate.
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to prevent, slow or stop its progress. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D are essential to bone health. There are also medications available to reduce the risk.
For more information about the Osteoporosis Clinic of the Finger Lakes, call (315) 789-0993