Now, you’re grappling with the fact they just got this very diagnosis — osteoporosis. How is this happening? Kids can’t have this, can they? While it’s rare, osteoporosis can occur in children. An underlying medical condition, certain medications or nutritional problems can often cause it. Sometimes, there’s no known cause.
When your child is at risk for serious bone injuries, you’ll want expert healthcare providers who can answer your questions, listen to your concerns and give your child the skilled care they need. Cleveland Clinic Children’s does that — and more. Our pediatric team understands that osteoporosis in children is a stressful diagnosis. And we’re experienced in treating it. You can rest a bit easier knowing we’ll guide you and your child every step of the way.
Why Choose Us for Osteoporosis in Children Care?
Caring approach:
Getting tests and treatment isn’t fun for anyone, especially if you’re a kid. Our team of child life specialists is here to help your child better understand what’s going on and support them during appointments. We find this makes your little one’s experience a little easier. Meet our team.
Collaborative care:
Osteoporosis in children can stem from many underlying causes. So, often your child will need to see more than one provider for the best possible treatment. Our team of experts works together to plan and manage your child’s care. And if they need treatment as they enter adulthood, we’re here to help them connect with Cleveland Clinic providers.
Personalized care:
No two children experience osteoporosis in the same way — or for the same reason. From building bone strength and avoiding fractures to treating underlying health conditions, we make sure your child’s care plan focuses completely on their needs.
Trusted experts:
When your child comes to Cleveland Clinic Children’s for care, we want to earn your trust from your first contact. You can feel confident knowing your child will get expert care in every appointment, test and procedure. We make sure they’re in the best possible hands each step of the way.
Virtual visits:
Not all appointments need to be in person. Sometimes, you might need only a quick touch base with your child’s provider that doesn’t require a trip to their office. Did you know you can schedule a virtual visit instead? You and your child can meet one-on-one online with their provider from the comfort of home.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic Children’s is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized throughout the U.S. for our expertise and care.
Diagnosing Osteoporosis in Children
Osteoporosis weakens your child’s bones. And it increases their risk for fractures. It can be silent. You may not know your child has it — until they barely fall, yet still break a bone. Other times, this condition has telltale signs like:
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Sore feet
- Walking problems
- Spinal problems
Often, underlying medical conditions can cause osteoporosis in children. Some of these are:
- Brittle bones (osteogenesis imperfecta)
- Celiac disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Eating disorders
- Juvenile arthritis
- Pediatric kidney disease
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Metabolism problems
- Turner syndrome
Some medications can also trigger osteoporosis, like corticosteroids or antiseizure drugs. Osteoporosis may also surface if your child doesn’t get enough calcium or vitamin D in their diet.
Other times, osteoporosis in children may be idiopathic. This means there’s no known reason your child has it. Idiopathic osteoporosis in children often shows up in the tween and teen years, usually between ages 8 to 14. And it often goes away by adulthood.
What to expect at your first visit
When your child comes to their first appointment, their provider will take time to get to know them. They’ll ask a lot of questions about your child’s symptoms (if they have any) and both their and your family’s medical histories.
They’ll give your child a physical exam and order tests to confirm a diagnosis and pinpoint any underlying causes. Your child may have:
- Blood tests
- Bone density test
- X-rays of their skeleton
Meet Our Osteoporosis in Children Team
Osteoporosis in children can have many different causes. We make sure your child has a team of providers from all the specialties they need. Our team works together to personalize every aspect of your child’s care. Their team may have:
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric orthopaedists
- Pediatric rheumatologists
- Pediatric endocrinologists
- Pediatric nephrologists
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- Child life specialists
- Pediatric dietitians
- Pediatric physical therapists
- Pediatric occupational therapists
- Pediatric geneticists
Providers Who Treat Osteoporosis in Children
Locations
We offer treatment for Osteoporosis in children at the following locations in Northeast Ohio.Treating Osteoporosis in Children
Your child’s osteoporosis treatment plan hinges on what’s causing their weak bones. Their care team will treat both osteoporosis and any underlying cause. Common treatments for bone health are:
Medications and supplements
Your child may need to take a prescription medication that helps strengthen their bones (bisphosphonates). We may also recommend they take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Your child may also take medications to treat underlying conditions like kidney disease, hormone problems and more.
Nutritional plans
We may have you and your child work with a pediatric dietitian to create a meal plan aimed at helping them get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet. This can help improve your child’s bone health.
Physical and occupational therapy
Exercise is a terrific way to strengthen your child’s bones and all the soft tissues connected to them. At physical and occupational therapy sessions, we’ll help your child find the best ways to move and exercise to help them prevent fractures.
When Your Child’s Living With Osteoporosis
When your child has osteoporosis, they’ll have regular checkups with their care team. They’ll also have frequent testing to check their bone health and to see if they have any new fractures. And they’ll meet with specialty providers who can treat any underlying conditions. If your child needs to manage their condition into adulthood, we’re here to help them easily move to the next stage of care with providers at Cleveland Clinic.
Taking the Next Step
Osteoporosis isn’t a diagnosis you probably expected to hear when you took your little one in for a checkup. Now that you have answers, you’ll want them to get the best care. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is here for your child — and your family. From highly personalized treatment to ongoing support, you can count on us for expert, compassionate care.
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