Formerly known as Alaska Hand-Elbow-Shoulder & Rhyneer Caylor Clinic.

Osteoporosis patient safely walks dog outdoors.

Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention

At Alaska Orthopedic Specialists, previously Rhyneer Caylor Clinic – we care about your bones as they impact your quality of life.

Here are our tips to prevent osteoporosis and associated fractures:

  1. Nutrition — Get enough protein and calories as well as plenty of calcium and vitamin D, Generally 1200mg of calcium, preferably from diet but supplement if necessary, and 1000 units of Vit D daily for Alaskans.
  2. Exercise — Exercise decreases fracture risk by improving bone mass. It also strengthens your muscles, improves your balance, and makes you less likely to fall. Many different types of exercise that you do against gravity (ie not in the pool, etc) such as jogging, walking, strength training are effective. The benefits of exercise go away quickly if you stop exercising. So, keep up the habit.
  3. Decrease Alcohol — Drinking more than two standard drinks a day increases your risk of fracture.
  4. Avoid Smoking — smoking speeds bone loss.
  5. Avoid falls —
    • Remove loose rugs, electrical cords, etc in the home that could lead to tripping, slipping, and falling.
    • Use adequate lighting in and around the home, including stairs and entry ways.
    • Avoid slippery surfaces, such as wet or polished floors. Wear good traction on your feet if you must walk on ice/snow.
    • Pay cautious attention when walking outdoors in unfamiliar places
    • Review medications that may increase the risk of falls with your provider.
    • Visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist regularly to check your vision.
    • Use cane, crutches, walker if you’re injured or have pain or imbalance and get professional instruction on safe use of the assist devices.
  6. Reduce medications that worsen bone loss.  Review your medications with your primary care or specialty provider.  It may not be possible to eliminate all the bone affecting medications.  Here is a list of medications to consider:
    • Long-term oral steroid medications , such as prednisone
    • Long-term use of heparin- an “anticoagulant” medication used to prevent and treat abnormal blood clotting
    • Some seizure medications, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, and phenobarbital
    • Aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole)
    • Long-term depo-provera use (Depo shot)
    • Excessive Vitamin A intake
    • Certain long term stomach acid suppressors such as Prilosec
    • Some diurectics
    • Some antidepressants
  7. If you have low bone density, or risk factors for it, discuss screening treatment options with your primary care doctor.