Are Bone Fractures Preventable?

Many factors can increase your risks of bone fractures. Whether you're concerned about your bone health as you age, have recently experienced a concerning fracture or broken bone, or have received a recommendation for a bone health evaluation, the experienced staff at the South Texas Spinal Clinic are here to help. At each of our 11 locations around the South Texas area, we see new and existing patients who are concerned about their long-term bone health through our specialized Fracture Prevention Clinic practice.

There's a lot you can do to support and protect your bone integrity. We recommend both at-home changes and targeted medical treatments, depending on your unique health care needs. Here's what you need to know to get through even your later years without painful and debilitating bone fractures.

Preparing for accidents

If you're concerned about your bone strength, look into supplements. Both vitamin D and calcium aid the development of strong bones. With healthy, well-supported bones, events like falls will be less likely to result in serious injury.

In the event that you do fall, you can also take steps to minimize your risks of serious breaks. Try to direct your momentum backward, if possible, as falling sideways or straight down carry more risks of bone damage. To protect a vulnerable hip, catch yourself with your hand.

Preventing falls

Especially in older people, falls can become the catalyst for ongoing health concerns. Improving your fitness, strength, and balance can help you avoid the dangers of uncontrolled falls all together. While you might gain some benefits from vitamin D or calcium supplements to support your bone health, the top intervention to prevent falls is a regular exercise plan. We can work with you to develop the best fitness regimen for you.

For patients who are concerned about bone fractures, we often recommend nonimpact balance exercises like tai chi. Weight-bearing exercises and aerobic exercise that put weight on your heels are both also beneficial to maintain your strength and flexibility.

If you have osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a condition causing bone weakness, can be difficult to detect, as it often doesn't appear with any immediate symptoms. If you think you might be at risk, a screening for low bone density can let you know if you could have osteoporosis.

If you have osteoporosis, your recommendations for exercise and activity are different, prioritizing the support you need to protect you from risky falls. We may also recommend that you look into medications to support your bones from breaks and fractures.

If you're worried about preventing bone fractures, get in touch with our team at South Texas Spinal Clinic today. You substantially benefit from getting an early start on protecting yourself from bone breaks. We take your medical history and use a DEXA machine to X-ray your bones, analyzing your bone density. You can book your initial consultation appointment at South Texas Spinal Clinic over the phone, or by using the online tool.