(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill OSTEOPOROSIS Carolina Arthritis Associates (CAA) is Southeastern North Carolina’s Comprehensive Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis and other Metabolic Disease of the bone. The CAA Difference: Carolina Arthritis Associates introduced Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) bone density testing to Wilmington in the early 1990s. CAA continues to offer a state-of-the art testing facility and also offers the convenience of DXA testing in an in-office location. Our DXA interpretations are generated by specialists with specific training, expertise and interest in Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive loss in bone density which results in loss in bone strength and increases risk of a bone fracture. Early detection, preservation of bone density and diminishing life-time risk of fractures is the goal of our comprehensive Osteoporosis clinic. Osteoporosis related fractures often involve the bone in the spine and the hip. These fractures can de devastating and result in poor function, loss of independence and chronic pain. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have an Osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime. Bone health and Osteoporosis care is a long-term investment and requires a partnership between the patient and your Rheumatologist. Osteoporosis is treatable and in many patients preventable. Testing A DXA test is non-invasive and painless. The test is done in our office on a padded table where our trained technician will obtain images of the lower spine and hip. You will be asked to complete a simple form which will give us more information on your medical history and current lifestyle. The entire process is completed in 30-45 minutes. Risk Factors We all continue with bone development and increase our bone density until the 4th decade of life. By our mid to late 30s we have acquired our peak bone density and will start to slowly lose bone year-to-year. There are several factors that determine who will be at higher risk for developing Osteoporosis. Gender: Women are at significantly higher risk compared to Men to develop the disease. Age: As we age our risk for bone loss and Osteoporosis increases. Women over the age of 50 and those experiencing early menopause are at highest risk. Family History: Family members with Osteoporosis increase your risk of developing the disease Tobacco use: Cigarette use has several effects on bone health and increases bone loss. Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroid drugs (prednisone), ant-seizure medications, and several other common classes of medication accelerate bone loss. Treatment Long-term treatment will focus on adjusting or eliminating any risk factors contributing to bone loss, vitamin supplements, diet, exercise and possibly prescription medications. Medical therapy is tailored to the individual – one specific medication is not the right choice for every patient. We will help tailor your individualized long-term treatment plan to optimize your bone health. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. CONTACT US © 2021. Carolina Arthritis. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy Website design and hosting provided by Sage Island