Hollywood Diagnosticss Center wants you to know that a bone density test helps determine your overall bone mass, along with your risk for fractures. You can get this test done at HDC. There is interesting news regarding bone density and arthritis. While a bone density test alone can’t determine whether you have arthritis, your doctor may order one if you have inflammatory types of joint disease, as these can be risk factors for bone loss.
Curious about whether you’re a candidate for a bone density test? Learn more about what this type of measurement test reveals, and why your doctor may order one if you have arthritis.
Can a Bone Density Test Detect Arthritis?
As the name suggests, a bone density test measures the density, or mass, of your bones. This helps to determine overall bone strength while also detecting weaknesses that could potentially lead to fractures.
This type of test is used to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteopenia is an early loss of bone mass, and is considered a precursor to osteoporosis. Unlike osteoporosis, there aren’t any symptoms of osteopenia, and it’s usually found via bone density tests.
Inflammatory arthritis may also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis for the following reasons:
- joint inflammation may trigger bone loss in surrounding areas
- common medications, like glucocorticoids, may speed up bone loss and also decrease calcium and vitamin D metabolism
- reduced activity levels due to pain and overall loss of joint function
A bone density test is usually performed via a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In some cases, traditional X-rays or CT scans might be used to measure bone density. These imaging tests provide clear pictures to help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
Most bone density tests are used on parts where bone loss may be evident, or where you may be more likely to experience fractures. These include the hips, the spine, the wrists, and the lower arms.
Who Needs a Bone Density Test?
A bone density test may be ordered if your doctor suspects either osteopenia or osteoporosis. The purpose is to help determine whether you need to be treated for bone loss before it leads to fractures.
What Tests are Typically Used to Diagnose Arthritis?
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, so your doctor will run necessary tests and exams to help confirm the correct form. Arthritis is diagnosed with a combination of health questionnaires, physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests.
While occasional joint pain doesn’t automatically mean arthritis, early signs of joint damage may include pain that increasingly worsens over time. You may feel joint pain every day, and it can be significant enough to interfere with your daily activities.
To confirm arthritis, your doctor may also use imaging tests like X-rays. Ultrasounds may also be used. These pictures will detail joint damage along with inflammation.
Traditional X-rays used to diagnose arthritis differ from specialized DXA versions because they lack the technology used to measure bone mineral density. Depending on your circumstances, multiple types of imaging tests may be used.
Depending on your doctor’s findings, a blood test may be ordered to confirm inflammatory types of arthritis only.
If you live in South Florida, or specifically the city of Hollywood, and are in need of an EKG or echocardiogram, or any medical imaging, then call the Hollywood Diagnosticss Center today! Medical professionals are ready to assist you with all of the tests and procedures that you need to get your health in order. All of the staff is friendly and ready to answer any questions you have regarding any medical imaging technologies and procedures. Call the Hollywood Diagnostics Center at Phone: (954) 966-3600 today!