Osteoporosis is a silent disease. There is no pain or other symptoms but inflammation in the gut and joints is a risk factor. Learn about your risks and what you can do for osteoporosis from rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler.

Join host Corinne Rutkowski, a third year medical student, as she explores the relationship between osteoporosis and psoriasis with leading bone health expert and rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler. Listen as they discuss the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, bone density testing, how prolonged inflammation is a key risk factor especially for psoriatic arthritis, along with treatments and actions you can take to minimize your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.  

Do what you can to protect your bone health and function as you age.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler.
• (01:23) Risk factors and difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia.
• (03:10) Difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which are often confused.
• (04:17) Diagnosis process for osteoporosis.
• (06:11) Risk factors for development of osteoporosis.
• (07:57) Is it possible to have osteoporosis or osteopenia and psoriatic arthritis together?
• (09:44) The role of osteoclast and osteoblasts in bone formation.
• (12:21) Treatment of osteoporosis.
• (14:10) Importance of vitamin D and calcium in the prevention of osteoporosis.
• (15:57) Activities that strengthen the muscles and bones to slow progression of osteoporosis.
• (17:08) Precautions and tips for avoiding falls.
• (18:59) Schedule appointments and ask for referrals early.

4 Key Takeaways:

·       Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two distinct diseases that affect joints and bone.

·       There are many factors that impact the development of osteoporosis including inflammatory diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle risks, family history, use of steroids, hormone deprivation, and more.

·       Preventive use of bisphosphonates and other treatment strategies can be implemented to address the breakdown of bone in osteoporosis.

·       Various precautions can be taken to minimize and avoid falls.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Diana Sandler is a rheumatologist at Endeavor Health in Chicago and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where she is a leading expert in osteoporosis, psoriatic disease, and other immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Sandler is the Director of the Bone Health Center at Endeavor Health. She is also a board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and in 2023 received the NPF Provider of the Year award in Rheumatology. Dr. Sandler is passionate about patient education and integrative team approaches when it comes to caring for patients with complex and multilevel diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and osteoporosis.