Osteoporosis in Children in Grand Rapids, Michigan

When osteoporosis occurs in children and teens, it’s called juvenile osteoporosis. While this condition is rare, it is serious and can affect a child’s growth, mobility, and long-term bone health.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, pediatric osteoporosis is usually linked to:

  • An underlying medical condition
  • Certain medications used to treat chronic conditions
  • Lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition or lack of physical activity

Secondary Juvenile Osteoporosis

When osteoporosis in children is caused by another medical problem or treatment, it’s called secondary osteoporosis. This is the most common type seen in kids in Grand Rapids pediatric clinics and hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Common causes of secondary juvenile osteoporosis include:

  • Medical conditions

    • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
    • Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
    • Type 1 diabetes
    • Kidney disease
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Cushing’s syndrome
    • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa

  • Medications

    • Long-term corticosteroids (often used for asthma, arthritis, autoimmune conditions)
    • Some cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
    • Certain anticonvulsant medications used to manage epilepsy

  • Lifestyle factors

    • Very low physical activity or prolonged bed rest
    • Poor nutrition and low calcium intake
    • Smoking or alcohol use in older teens

Children who are bedridden or have long periods of immobility are at higher risk because they are unable to participate in weight-bearing activities that help build strong bones.

Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis

Less commonly, osteoporosis occurs in a child for no clear reason. When no underlying cause can be found, the condition is called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis.

Key points about idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis:

  • Typically appears just before puberty
  • No clear medical cause is found despite testing
  • In many cases, it improves on its own over several years
  • Most children recover normal bone strength, although some may have lasting bone or spine changes

The reason some children develop idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis and others do not is still unknown.

How Bones Grow in Children and Teens

Bones are living tissue that constantly grow, rebuild, and repair. From birth through the mid-20s, children and teens are building more bone than they lose. This is how they:

  • Grow taller
  • Build stronger skeletons
  • Achieve their peak bone mass (usually before age 30)

The more bone mass a child builds during these years, the lower their risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

In juvenile osteoporosis:

  • Not enough new bone is built
  • Too much old bone is broken down
  • Or both processes occur together

As a result, bones become:

  • Less dense
  • Weaker
  • More likely to fracture (break), sometimes from minor falls or normal activities

Juvenile Osteoporosis and Michigan’s Climate

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader Michigan region brings some specific bone health challenges:

  • Long, cold winters mean children spend more time indoors and get less sun exposure, which can reduce vitamin D levels.
  • Cloudy weather is common, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline, further limiting natural vitamin D production.
  • Low vitamin D can make it harder for the body to absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones.

Because of this, pediatric providers in Grand Rapids often pay close attention to vitamin D levels in children with bone pain, frequent fractures, or chronic medical conditions.

Symptoms of Juvenile Osteoporosis

Juvenile osteoporosis is often diagnosed after a child breaks a bone, sometimes from a minor fall or injury that wouldn’t normally cause a fracture.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Pain in the lower back, hips, or feet
  • Difficulty walking or limping
  • Frequent fractures, especially in the arms, legs, or spine
  • Spinal changes such as:
    • Curved spine
    • Loss of height
    • Stooped posture (kyphosis)

Some children may have no obvious symptoms until a fracture occurs, which is why careful evaluation after repeated fractures is important.

How Juvenile Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If your child has frequent fractures, bone pain, or risk factors for weak bones, your Grand Rapids pediatrician or pediatric specialist may refer you to:

  • A pediatric endocrinologist
  • A pediatric rheumatologist
  • A pediatric orthopedic specialist

These specialists are available through major health systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Diagnosis may include:

  • Medical history

    • Growth and development history
    • Past fractures or bone injuries
    • Current and past medications
    • Diet and activity level
    • Family history of osteoporosis or bone disorders

  • Physical examination

    • Checking posture and spine
    • Assessing muscle strength and mobility
    • Looking for signs of underlying medical conditions

  • Imaging tests

    • DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) to measure bone density
    • X-rays to look for fractures or spinal changes

  • Blood and urine tests

    • Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels
    • Kidney and thyroid function
    • Markers of bone turnover
    • Tests for possible underlying diseases

If no cause is found after thorough evaluation, the diagnosis may be idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis.

Long-Term Risks of Osteoporosis in Children

Without proper treatment, juvenile osteoporosis can:

  • Affect normal growth and development
  • Lead to spinal deformities and chronic pain
  • Increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in adulthood

Because children and teens are still building their peak bone mass, any loss of bone density during these years can have lasting effects. This is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.

Treating Juvenile Osteoporosis in Grand Rapids

In many cases, juvenile osteoporosis can be treated and managed effectively. Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity of the condition.

1. Treating the Underlying Condition

If osteoporosis is secondary to another medical condition, treatment focuses on:

  • Managing or stabilizing the underlying disease (e.g., juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, endocrine disorders)
  • Working with specialists at local centers such as:
    • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (Corewell Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids pediatric services

If a medication is contributing to bone loss, your child’s doctor may:

  • Adjust the dose
  • Switch to a different medication if possible
  • Add treatments to help protect bone health

2. Nutrition: Calcium and Vitamin D

A bone-healthy diet is essential, especially for growing children in West Michigan.

Calcium

Calcium-rich foods include:

  • Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt
  • Leafy green vegetables: kale, collard greens, bok choy
  • Tofu (with added calcium)
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, chia seeds
  • Legumes: beans, lentils
  • Calcium-fortified foods: some plant-based milks (soy, almond), orange juice, cereals

If you’re unsure your child is getting enough calcium, ask your:

  • Pediatrician
  • Registered dietitian (available through most Grand Rapids hospital systems)

Vitamin D and Michigan Seasons

We get vitamin D from:

  • Sunlight on the skin
  • Certain foods (fatty fish, fortified milk, fortified cereals)
  • Supplements if recommended by a healthcare provider

Because Grand Rapids has long winters and limited sun, many children and teens may not get enough vitamin D from sun exposure alone.

General guidance (your doctor may individualize this):

  • In warmer, sunnier months (late spring to early fall):
    • Expose hands, face, and arms to sunlight for about 5–10 minutes a day, avoiding the hottest part of the day.
  • In cooler, darker months (late fall through early spring):
    • Sun exposure may need to be longer, around 20–30 minutes, but weather and clothing often limit this.

Because of these challenges in Michigan, many children may need vitamin D supplements, especially if they:

  • Spend most of their time indoors
  • Have darker skin
  • Have chronic illnesses
  • Already have low bone density

Always talk with your child’s doctor before starting supplements.

3. Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular, weight-bearing exercise helps build and maintain bone density. Examples include:

  • Walking
  • Running or jogging (if safe for your child)
  • Dancing
  • Jumping games
  • Non-contact sports approved by your child’s healthcare team

In Grand Rapids, families can take advantage of:

  • Local parks and trails (e.g., Millennium Park, Reeds Lake Trail)
  • School sports and physical education programs
  • Community centers and YMCA programs

A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can design a safe program that:

  • Encourages bone growth
  • Protects against fractures
  • Takes into account your child’s specific condition and abilities

4. Protecting Against Fractures

To reduce the risk of fractures:

  • Avoid high-impact contact sports if your child’s bones are very fragile (e.g., football, hockey, aggressive martial arts)
  • Use protective gear when appropriate (helmets, pads)
  • Make the home environment as safe as possible to prevent falls

Your child’s healthcare team will help determine which activities are safe and which should be limited.

5. Medications for Bone Strength

In some cases of severe juvenile osteoporosis, especially when fractures are frequent or bone density is very low, doctors may consider medications to strengthen bones.

Options may include:

  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements
  • Other bone-specific medications (prescribed and monitored by a pediatric specialist)

Discuss all medication options, benefits, and risks with your child’s doctor. Treatment decisions are individualized and often involve a team of specialists.

Outlook for Children with Juvenile Osteoporosis

Many children with juvenile osteoporosis—especially those with idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis—experience:

  • Gradual improvement over time
  • Recovery of normal or near-normal bone density
  • Return to regular activities with proper care

However, some children may have:

  • Lasting spine or bone changes
  • Chronic pain
  • Increased risk of fractures into adulthood

Regular follow-up with a pediatric specialist is essential to monitor bone health and adjust treatment as your child grows.

Local Resources for Pediatric Bone Health in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about your child’s bone health, frequent fractures, or possible juvenile osteoporosis, you can start with:

  • Your child’s primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Pediatric specialists at:
    • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (Corewell Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health

Public health and community resources:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on nutrition, vitamin D, and children’s health programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – local initiatives supporting child wellness and physical activity

These providers can:

  • Evaluate your child for juvenile osteoporosis
  • Order appropriate tests (including DEXA scans and lab work)
  • Coordinate care with dietitians, physical therapists, and other specialists

Key Points About Juvenile Osteoporosis in Grand Rapids

  • Juvenile osteoporosis is a rare but serious condition that weakens children’s bones.
  • Most cases are secondary to another medical condition, medication, or lifestyle factor.
  • When no cause is found, it’s called idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis.
  • Michigan’s long winters and low sunlight can increase the risk of low vitamin D, which affects bone health.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to protect growth, prevent fractures, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood.
  • Treatment may include:
    • Managing underlying medical conditions
    • Adjusting medications
    • Improving diet (calcium and vitamin D)
    • Safe, regular weight-bearing exercise
    • Fracture prevention strategies
    • Medications in severe cases

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are worried about your child’s bone health, contact your pediatrician or a local pediatric specialist to discuss evaluation and treatment options. Early action can make a significant difference in your child’s long-term bone strength and overall health.