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Bone density scans determine how strong your bones are and if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.

Bone density scans, also called bone mineral density (BMD), are noninvasive and take just a few minutes to complete. Scans can be conducted on your hips or spine using a scan called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). It’s similar to a traditional x-ray, but your body isn’t exposed to as much radiation. A smaller device can also determine bone density using your finger, wrist or heel. Oftentimes, these devices are used at community screenings or in drugstores that offer bone density scans to patrons.

How Is Bone Density Measured?

Once the scan is complete, your orthopedic doctor will compare it to the average bone density of younger adults of your same gender and ethnicity. You’ll get two results:

  • A “T score” which compares your current bone density to that of a healthy younger person, and
  • A “Z score” which compares your bone density to some of your same age, gender and race.

With either score, a negative number means your bones are thinner than they should be, and the lower the number, the greater the bone loss. A “T score” of less than -2.5 more than likely means you have osteoporosis.

Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

In young women, estrogen keeps your bones dense and strong. However, after menopause, estrogen levels in your body decrease which causes your bone density to decrease, too. In the first decade following menopause, a woman can lose a quarter of her bone density.

Therefore, many doctors recommend bone density scans for any woman older than 65 years old as well as younger postmenopausal women who have certain risk factors like:

  • Tobacco use
  • Having bone fractures as an adult or having a close relative who has experienced bone fractures
  • Excessive alcohol or caffeine use
  • Low body weight or having a small body frame
  • Starting menopause early or starting menstrual periods later than normal
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • A medical condition like hyperparathyroidism or hyperthyroidism
  • A vitamin D deficiency
  • Use of medications like prednisone, phenytoin or Dilantin
  • Low estrogen levels

If you think you’re at risk for bone loss, contact our Jacksonville orthopedics office today. We can refer you for a bone density scan and recommend ways to prevent bone loss.

Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

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Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density scans determine how strong your bones are and if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.

Bone density scans, also called bone mineral density (BMD), are noninvasive and take just a few minutes to complete. Scans can be conducted on your hips or spine using a scan called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). It’s similar to a traditional x-ray, but your body isn’t exposed to as much radiation. A smaller device can also determine bone density using your finger, wrist or heel. Oftentimes, these devices are used at community screenings or in drugstores that offer bone density scans to patrons.

(more…)

Child Exercise: How Much Is Too Much?

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You know it’s good for your kids to get regular exercise but can they get too much physical activity? Orthopedic surgeons say too much or the wrong kind of exercise can harm growing bodies.

That’s because growth plates can be more easily injured or broken during childhood and into the teenage years. Parents need to not only limit how much their children exercise but also restrict certain kinds of exercise. (more…)

Sports Medicine Myths Part 2: Stretching Prevents Injuries

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Before you take to the basketball court or engage in an intense workout, chances are you stretch. After all, you have been taught by coaches, peers and even sports medicine doctors that stretching before sports activities or workout routines will prevent injury, but what if what you’ve always been told is wrong?

It may come as a surprise to you, but stretching done before, during or after a workout or sports activity could actually do you more harm than good. (more…)

Sports Medicine Myths Part 1: You Can Do Physical Therapy on Your Own

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As an orthopedic specialist, it can be worrisome to hear a patient say, “Well, I tried doing some physical therapy on my own, but it didn’t work. So now I think I need surgery.” One of the most pervasive myths in sports medicine is that a do-it-yourself approach to physical therapy can work. While it’s certainly true that certain stretches or exercises can help you build strength after an injury, there is no replacement for professional physical therapy. (more…)

What Exactly Are Shin Splints?

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Leg pain is a fairly common occurrence for athletes—especially long distance runners. Running puts pressure on the joints, including the hips, knees and ankles, as well as on the feet and legs. Whenever pain develops in the lower legs it is often assumed to be shin splints, but shin splints are actually a specific problem that can develop in the shins, the bones that run along the front of the lower legs.

Shin splints are a sort of overuse injury that develop when inflammation builds up around the soft tissues of the lower leg. The injury can develop in two areas surrounding the shin. When they develop on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg, near the shinbone, they are called anterior shin splints. When they develop on the inside of the leg they are referred to as medial shin splints.

So, What Are Shin Splints?

There is some disagreement among experts as to what exactly causes shin splints to develop. The leading theories include:

  • Shin splints may be caused by small tears in muscle that has been pulled off the bone.
  • Inflammation in the tissue sheath that wraps around the shin bone.
  • Inflammation in the muscles surrounding the shin bone.

Many sport and exercise doctors believe that they are actually caused by a combination of several of these factors. What medical experts do agree on is that shin splints are unique to athletes, they are caused by regular physical activity, and whatever is the primary cause of the pain, the best way to treat shin splints seems to be clear.

Because they are caused by overuse, shin splints are pretty much reserved for regular athletes. They can happen to athletes of any age or expertise level, from youth soccer all the way to professional ball players.

Rest Is Best

Experts agree that the best way to treat shin splints is with a combination of rest, ice and stretching. It is recommended to stop running entirely when shin splints first develop, as they will grow worse over time. Secondly, ice the shins regularly to reduce inflammation in the legs. Doing basic Achilles stretches often helps to ease the pain of shin splints and stretch the muscles and tissues surrounding the shin bone.

If you are going to continue working out while struggling with shin splints, the best thing you can do is wrap the injury. Don’t wait too long before seeking the medical expertise of a sports medicine doctor. The sooner you can get treatment and address the pain, the sooner the pain of shin splints can go away.

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Free Injury Evaluation Clinic

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Bumps n’ Bruises is back!

Our sports medicine physicians will be available every Saturday morning through November for –

  • Free injury assessment by an expert orthopedic specialist and physical therapist
  • Recommended home treatment for simple injuries
  • Treatment options and recovery information available for your coach and athletic trainer
  • Open to every school and athletic program

There are three convenient locations for you to choose from! All locations are available from 9:00AM to 10:00AM for evaluations.

Brooks Rehabilitation CST

  • 10423 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Inside the YMCA)

Preferred Physical Therapy Fleming Island

  • 1835 Eastwest Parkway, Suite 16, Fleming Island, FL 32003

Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine St. Johns

  • 165 Hampton Point Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092

 

Supplements to Take for Healthier Bones

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The American diet is a leading source of obesity and a range of other health problems, including poor bone health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 54 million Americans older than age 50 are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass. Having weak bones may increase your risk of injury, resulting in the need for specialized orthopedic treatment to avoid long-lasting effects. Fortunately, no matter what your age, supplementing your diet with important vitamins and minerals can improve bone health. (more…)

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