Osteoporosis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Osteoporosis is a common condition in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, especially among older adults. It occurs when bones lose minerals like calcium more quickly than the body can replace them. Over time, bones become less dense, weaker, and more likely to break (fracture) — often from a minor fall or even everyday activities.

Many people in Grand Rapids do not realize they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist. Because our region has long, icy winters and an aging population, preventing falls and protecting bone health is especially important.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means “bones with holes.” Under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a dense honeycomb. With osteoporosis, the spaces in the “honeycomb” become larger, and the outer walls become thinner and weaker.

Bone is living tissue. Throughout life, old bone is broken down and new bone is formed. In childhood and the teen years, more bone is built than broken down, so bones grow and become stronger. Peak bone mass (your “bone bank”) is usually reached between ages 25 and 30.

After that, bone breakdown slowly starts to exceed bone formation. In women, this process speeds up around menopause because of a sharp drop in estrogen. Without prevention or treatment, this can lead to osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

Why Osteoporosis Matters in Grand Rapids

Several local factors can increase osteoporosis risk in West Michigan:

  • Long, cold winters: Less time outdoors and more cloudy days can lower vitamin D levels, which are vital for absorbing calcium.
  • Icy sidewalks and winter falls: Slippery conditions in Grand Rapids winters increase the risk of falls and fractures, especially hip fractures.
  • Aging population: As more residents in Kent County reach age 65 and older, osteoporosis becomes more common.
  • Indoor lifestyles: Sedentary habits, especially during long winters, can weaken bones and muscles.

Local hospitals like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health all see a significant number of fractures related to osteoporosis every year.

Signs and Symptoms

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because there are usually no obvious signs until a fracture occurs. You may not feel your bones getting weaker.

Possible signs that may suggest osteoporosis or low bone density include:

  • A fracture from a minor fall or simple activity (like bending or lifting)
  • Loss of height over time
  • A stooped posture or “dowager’s hump”
  • Back pain, especially from a vertebral (spine) fracture

Because there are usually no early symptoms, early screening and diagnosis are critical, especially for those at higher risk.

Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?

Some osteoporosis risk factors cannot be changed, while others are related to lifestyle or medical conditions.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

  • Being female
  • Older age (especially 50+ for women and 70+ for men)
  • Family history of osteoporosis or fractures (for example, a parent with a hip fracture)
  • Caucasian or Asian ethnicity (though osteoporosis affects all races and ethnicities)
  • Small body frame or low body weight

Sex hormones play a key role in bone health:

  • Women
    • Menopause (especially early menopause before age 45)
    • Loss of menstrual periods related to low estrogen (for example, from eating disorders or excessive exercise)
  • Men
    • Low testosterone levels
    • Certain treatments for prostate cancer that lower testosterone

Medical Conditions That Increase Risk

Some conditions commonly managed by Grand Rapids healthcare providers can raise osteoporosis risk, including:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or thyroid disease
  • Chronic liver or kidney disease
  • Conditions that affect nutrient absorption:
    • Celiac disease
    • Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Chronic lung disease requiring long-term steroid use

Medications That Can Weaken Bones

Long-term use of certain medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as:

  • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune diseases
  • Some medications used for breast cancer or prostate cancer
  • Certain anti-seizure medications
  • Some medications for stomach acid or reflux, when used long term

Lifestyle Risk Factors

  • Inadequate dietary calcium
  • Low vitamin D levels (common in Michigan due to limited sun exposure in fall and winter)
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Excessive alcohol intake (more than 2 standard drinks per day)
  • Lack of physical activity, especially weight-bearing and strength-training exercises
  • High intake of caffeinated drinks (cola, strong coffee, energy drinks)

If you have several of these risk factors, talk with your Grand Rapids primary care provider about screening and prevention.

How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

DXA (Bone Density) Scan

The most reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis is a DXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). This is a short, painless test that measures bone density, usually at the hip and spine, and sometimes the forearm.

In Grand Rapids, DXA scans are widely available through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) imaging centers
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Independent imaging centers and some orthopedic clinics

Who Should Have a Bone Density Test?

Your doctor may recommend a DXA scan if you:

  • Are a woman age 65 or older
  • Are a man age 70 or older
  • Have already had a fracture that might be related to osteoporosis
  • Have been on corticosteroids for a long time
  • Have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or chronic liver/kidney disease
  • Went through menopause early (before age 45)
  • Have very low body weight or a strong family history of fractures

Insurance coverage and Medicare rules for DXA scans vary. Even if you do not meet criteria for full coverage, your doctor may still recommend a scan if you have significant risk factors.

Preventing Osteoporosis in Grand Rapids

While you cannot change your age or family history, there is a lot you can do to protect your bones.

1. Eat a Calcium-Rich Diet

Calcium is the main mineral in bones. If you don’t get enough calcium from food, your body will pull it out of your bones, weakening them over time.

Recommended daily calcium intake:

  • Most adults: 1,000 mg per day
  • Women over 50 and men over 70: 1,300 mg per day
  • Children and teens (depending on age): up to 1,300 mg per day

Good sources of calcium:

  • Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese
  • Fortified plant milks (soy, almond, oat) – check labels
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Leafy green vegetables (kale, collard greens, bok choy)
  • Canned fish with soft bones (salmon, sardines)
  • Calcium-fortified cereals and breads

If you are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, talk with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or a local dietitian about other calcium sources or supplements.

2. Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. In Michigan, low vitamin D is common, especially in fall and winter when sunlight is limited.

We get vitamin D from:

  • Sun exposure: Short periods of sun on the face, arms, and hands help your body make vitamin D. In West Michigan, this is easier in late spring and summer.
  • Food (small amounts):
    • Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel)
    • Egg yolks
    • Liver
    • Fortified foods (many milks, plant milks, and margarines)

Because it is hard to get enough vitamin D from food alone, especially in Grand Rapids winters, many people need a vitamin D supplement. Your doctor can order a blood test to check your level and recommend the right dose.

3. Exercise for Strong Bones

Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for building and maintaining bone strength.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

These are activities done on your feet that force your bones to support your weight, such as:

  • Brisk walking
  • Jogging (if appropriate for your joints)
  • Dancing
  • Tennis or pickleball
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Stair climbing

These exercises help stimulate bone growth and improve balance, which reduces fall risk. While swimming and cycling are excellent for heart and lung health, they are not weight-bearing and do not build bone density as effectively.

Strength (Resistance) Training

Strength training applies resistance to muscles and bones, helping maintain or even improve bone mineral density. Examples include:

  • Free weights (dumbbells)
  • Resistance bands
  • Weight machines
  • Body-weight exercises (squats, lunges, wall push-ups)

Aim for 30–40 minutes of mixed weight-bearing and strength training, 4–6 times per week, if your doctor approves.

Consider working with:

  • A physical therapist at a Grand Rapids hospital or clinic
  • An exercise physiologist or certified trainer familiar with osteoporosis

They can design a safe, personalized program, especially if you already have osteoporosis or joint problems.

Balance and Flexibility Exercises

To prevent falls, activities that improve balance, coordination, and posture are important:

  • Tai chi
  • Pilates
  • Gentle yoga
  • Specific balance exercises prescribed by a physical therapist

4. Lifestyle Changes to Protect Your Bones

  • Quit smoking: Smokers have lower bone density than non-smokers.
  • Limit alcohol: No more than 2 standard drinks per day, and aim for at least 2 alcohol-free days per week.
  • Limit caffeine: High intake of cola, strong tea, or coffee can reduce calcium absorption. Try to keep it to no more than 2–3 cups per day.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight: Being underweight increases fracture risk.

Local support for smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, and exercise programs is available through:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs
  • Local hospital wellness centers (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health)

Managing Osteoporosis: Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, lifestyle changes are still essential, but you may also need medication to reduce your fracture risk. Your treatment plan in Grand Rapids will depend on your bone density, fracture history, age, sex, and other medical conditions.

Common Osteoporosis Medications

  1. Bisphosphonates
    These medications slow the breakdown of bone, allowing bone density to increase or stabilize. They are commonly used in the United States for both men and women. Examples include:

    • Alendronate
    • Risedronate
    • Ibandronate
    • Zoledronic acid (IV)

    They are incorporated into the bone and can have long-lasting effects.

  2. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
    SERMs mimic some of estrogen’s effects on bone, helping to reduce bone loss and lower the risk of spinal fractures in women.

  3. Denosumab
    A twice-yearly injection given under the skin. Denosumab slows bone breakdown and is effective at improving bone density. However, bone density can decrease again if treatment is stopped, so ongoing follow-up is important.

  4. Testosterone Therapy (for men)
    In men with low testosterone and symptoms of deficiency, testosterone replacement can improve bone density. It may be given as:

    • Injections
    • Implants
    • Skin patches
    • Oral capsules
    • Gels or creams

  5. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Therapy
    PTH regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels in the bones and blood. Synthetic PTH medications (such as teriparatide) stimulate new bone formation and increase bone density and strength.

    • Typically used for people with severe osteoporosis or those who have not responded to other treatments
    • Usually given as daily injections for about 18 months

  6. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
    In women, estrogen helps maintain bone strength. After menopause, estrogen drops, increasing osteoporosis risk. MHT:

    • Can prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk
    • Is very effective for treating hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems around menopause
    • Is not usually recommended as a long-term osteoporosis treatment due to increased risks of blood clots and breast cancer

    It may be considered a first-line option for women under 60 who are at risk of bone loss and also need relief from menopausal symptoms.

  7. Newer Specialist Medications
    For people who continue to have fractures or lose bone despite standard treatment, osteoporosis specialists (often endocrinologists or rheumatologists in Grand Rapids) may prescribe medications that actively build bone, such as:

    • Romosozumab
    • Teriparatide (PTH analog)

These medications are usually managed by a specialist and require careful monitoring.

Exercise and Safety if You Already Have Osteoporosis

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you can still be active, but you must exercise safely to avoid fractures.

Safer Exercise Options

Work with your doctor, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist to design a program that may include:

  • Modified weight-bearing exercises (such as brisk walking instead of jogging)
  • Strength training with proper technique and supervision
  • Gentle posture exercises to reduce the risk of spine fractures
  • Balance and flexibility exercises to prevent falls

Avoid activities that involve:

  • High-impact landings (jumping, running on hard surfaces) if your doctor advises against them
  • Sudden twisting or heavy bending of the spine (for example, certain sit-ups or toe-touching exercises)

Falls Prevention in Grand Rapids

About one-third of people over age 65 fall each year, and around 6% of those falls lead to a fracture. In Grand Rapids, icy sidewalks, snow, and uneven outdoor surfaces can make falls even more likely in winter.

Steps to Reduce Your Fall Risk

Be guided by your doctor or physical therapist, but general recommendations include:

  • Balance exercises: Practice exercises prescribed by a physical therapist or exercise physiologist.
  • Vision care: Wear your prescription glasses as directed and have regular eye exams.
  • Trip-proof your home:
    • Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
    • Keep walkways clear of cords and clutter
    • Install handrails in the shower and near the toilet
    • Ensure all rooms, stairways, and entryways are well lit
  • Footwear:
    • Wear sturdy, flat-heeled shoes with good grip and proper fit
    • Use non-slip footwear or ice grips when walking outside in winter

An occupational therapist can visit your home (or advise you in clinic) and recommend specific changes to make your environment safer.

Consider a Hip Protector

A hip protector is a padded shield worn over the hips, designed to spread the force of a fall away from the hip bone into the surrounding soft tissue. When worn correctly, it can reduce the risk of hip fractures, especially in frail older adults or those in senior living communities around Grand Rapids.

Working With Local Healthcare Providers

If you are concerned about osteoporosis, consider the following local resources:

  • Your primary care provider (PCP) in Grand Rapids
  • Endocrinology, rheumatology, and orthopedic specialists at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health ��� University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for community education and preventive programs
  • Local physical therapy and rehabilitation centers for exercise and falls-prevention programs

Your doctor will also check for other medical conditions that can cause or worsen osteoporosis, such as vitamin D deficiency or thyroid disease.

Key Points for Osteoporosis in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Osteoporosis is common and often silent until a fracture occurs.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent fractures and disability.
  • Sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) are vital for bone strength in both men and women.
  • Risk factors include:
    • Being female, older age, family history
    • Low calcium and vitamin D
    • Smoking, excessive alcohol, and lack of exercise
    • Certain medications and medical conditions
  • In Michigan, low vitamin D (due to limited sun in fall/winter) and winter falls on ice make bone health especially important.
  • Treatment may include:
    • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol)
    • Medications such as bisphosphonates, SERMs, denosumab, PTH therapy, testosterone (for men), and MHT (for selected women)
  • It is never too late to seek help. Treatment can halt bone loss and significantly reduce fracture risk.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are worried about your bone health, talk with your doctor about a bone density test, vitamin D screening, and a personalized osteoporosis prevention or treatment plan.