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Metabolic Bone Diseases

Metabolic bone diseases, like osteoporosis, occur when you lack important vitamins, hormones and minerals essential for strong, healthy bones. So when you're ready to live worry-free from fractures, we'll care about your health with every bone in your body.

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Helping you build strong, healthy bones

Bones are the backbone of the body’s overall structure. They have the important tasks of:

  • Providing structure
  • Protecting organs
  • Anchoring muscles
  • Storing calcium 

There are 2 key ways you can strengthen your bones:

  1. Get enough exercise
  2. Consume plenty of calcium (like a tall glass of milk or plant-based milk, a handful of almonds or a filet of salmon)

Ensuring your body absorbs calcium is just as important as your actual calcium intake. That’s where vitamin D comes in. This important vitamin plays a big role in helping your bones absorb calcium while also supporting the nerve, muscle and immune systems.

Charles Cassidy, MD, Orthopaedist-in-Chief, examines the hands of patient in a clinic appointment at Tufts Medical Center.
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Conditions

People of all ages can suffer from metabolic bone diseases, like:

Hyperparathyroidism
Osteoporosis
Pagets disease of bone
Skeletal disorders
Vitamin D deficiency

It’s important to note that older women are more likely to experience bone loss, which is also known as osteoporosis. It’s common for people with osteoporosis to experience compression fractures that lead to back pain, loss of height and a hunched-over posture.

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Testing

Our doctors turn to a variety of tests to uncover what’s causing your metabolic bone disease, such as:

  • Full musculoskeletal exam
  • Targeted metabolic laboratory work-up
  • Specific imaging studies

Once we’ve painted a complete picture of your condition, we’ll create a wellness plan to build bone mass while reducing your risk of fractures or other complications. 

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Treatments

Just like how your body needs bones for structure, our doctors will structure your wellness plan with personalized lifestyle recommendations and effective medications.

Adopting a healthy diet and exercising are proven to treat many metabolic bone disorders. You can also improve your bone-related condition by balancing your calcium and vitamin D intake. Your doctor will regularly monitor your progress and make further recommendations as needed.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
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Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

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