Osteoporosis - When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Think you have a broken bone, notice a deformity after a fall, or cannot move a part of your body.
- Have sudden, severe pain when bearing weight.
Call your doctor for an appointment if you:
Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease." That's because most of the time, bone loss occurs without any symptoms at all. But when osteoporosis becomes severe, it can lead to fractures and a condition called kyphosis. Kyphosis is spinal compression, sometimes described as the "dowager's hump." Both fractures and kyphosis can be very painful. This pain is usually more severe than the typical "aches and pains" many people feel as they get older.
Read the Osteoporosis Pain article > >
- Want to discuss your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Have symptoms of menopause or have completed menopause and want to discuss whether you should take medicine to prevent osteoporosis.
- Have been treated for a fracture caused by a minor injury, such as a simple fall, and want to discuss your risk of osteoporosis.
If you are nearing age 65, have osteopenia, or think that you are at high risk for osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about your concerns.
Watchful Waiting
If you do not have any risk factors for osteoporosis and you are already taking preventive measures, such as taking adequate calcium and vitamin D, you may only need routine screening.
Who To See
Health professionals who can evaluate your symptoms and risk of osteoporosis include:
- Nurse practitioners.
- Physician assistants.
- Family medicine doctors.
- Internists.
- Rheumatologists.
- Endocrinologists.
- Gynecologists.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
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