What are calcium disorders?
Calcium disorders are conditions in which you have too much or too little calcium in your body due to metabolic bone abnormalities. This leads to weak bones and other issues. Dr. Fishman is an esteemed endocrinologist who’s extremely experienced in treating and preventing bone loss.
What are common types of calcium disorders?
There are many kinds of calcium disorders, including:
Osteoporosis
With osteoporosis, skeletal bones grow porous, weak, and vulnerable to fractures. The condition is common in older adults, particularly postmenopausal women. The hips, knees, and spine are commonly affected, but it can develop anywhere in your body.
Paget’s disease of bone
Paget’s disease of bone is a metabolic bone disorder in which normal bone renewal processes become erratic. This causes areas of abnormally shaped or weak bones. It’s common in the pelvic bones, spine, legs, and skull.
Hyperparathyroidism
With hyperparathyroidism, your parathyroid hormone levels are too high. This causes your bones to continually release their stored calcium and can lead to bone density loss. In some cases, this calcium from your bones forms kidney stones.
Other problems in your body can also cause calcium depletion, such as vitamin D insufficiency. Although each calcium disorder is different, the problems each one ultimately causes, such as bone loss, pain, and poor mobility, are usually the same.
What are the symptoms of calcium disorders?
Symptoms vary by disorder and individual, but common issues include:
- Change in gait
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Change in spine shape
- Poor range of motion
- Bone fractures
- Misshapen bones
If Dr. Fishman suspects a calcium disorder, she can perform screening tests such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), quantitative ultrasound, or peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to view changes in your bones.
How are calcium disorders treated?
Calcium disorders are treatable, but it’s best to start treatment in the early stages of bone loss if possible. This can minimize the long-term effects of your disorder and help you stay active and healthy.
Treatment often includes weight-bearing exercises, dietary changes, and medication customized for your disorder. With this blend of approaches, you can stop bone loss and even build healthy new bone.
Need help with calcium disorders or other metabolic issues? Dr. Fishman is here for you. Call the office of Sarah Fishman MD PhD PC or use the online appointment maker to book your evaluation.
