Public Service Announcement: Don't Neglect Bone & Joint Health

By Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb

A discussion on bone health, bone health diagnostic, bone health supplements, and other osteopenia and osteoporosis concerns.

As a naturopathic doctor, I read medical literature that comes from very conventional sources just as often as I read about more natural approaches.

The headline in my inbox was dire: "How To Prevent a Feared Complication After Joint Replacement". It was from Medscape - one of my trusted sources of peer-reviewed science and conventional medicine.  

The discussion boiled down to the fact that up to 1% of joint replacements for hips and knees will face a periprosthetic fracture at some point after the replacement.

What Does This Information About Fractures Mean? 

It means the metal hardware was a lot stronger than the brittle bone above or below it and the brittle bone fractured. It's a surgeon's worst nightmare because it often means several more surgeries, more hardware, and even total bone replacements in some cases.

And the risk is higher in women over 70 with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

It is great to combine nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to support bone health as we age. 

How Is Your Bone Health?

My question for you is:  When was your last DEXA? Do you know if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis? If you struggle with joint pain and you have thin or brittle bones, the time to take action is NOW.

What Can You Do Besides The Osteoprime Forte?

• Ask your doctor to measure your Bone Turnover Markers: typically a urine test for NTx and serum for CTx. These are terminal telopeptides that basically show how rapidly your bone is degrading and breaking down.

• Quit smoking.

• Optimize your hormones - whether with herbs, topical or pelleted hormone replacement, we have options!

• Join a gym and work with a trainer on weight-bearing exercises AND balance exercises at least 3-4 times a week.

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

• And if you are severely osteoporotic, consider taking bisphosphonates. They aren't my favorite class of drugs, but they can be life-saving if someone's bones are severely brittle.

Consider this to be your PSA, your sign that it is time to tend to your bone health.

Your Friend in Health,

Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb