Skip to content

What is Bone Disease?

Bone disease affects millions of people and can weaken bones, increase the risk of fractures, and impact mobility and quality of life. Some bone diseases develop with age, while others are caused by hormonal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, genetic conditions, or other medical problems.

Types of Bone Disease

Our specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of bone diseases, including:

We can also help reduce your bone disease risk through screening, prevention, and personalized treatment plans.

Low Bone Disease (Osteopenia)

Low bone density — also called osteopenia — is a condition in which your bones have lower-than-normal bone density. Having low bone density increases your risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis causes weak and brittle bones, making them more likely to break. While it doesn’t cause joint pain directly, it can lead to fractures, most commonly in the spine, hips, and wrists.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects joints, not the bones themselves. It’s a degenerative disease that wears down the cartilage that cushions your joints. Over time, this leads to joint pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Metabolic Disorders

Abnormalities in bone metabolism can lead to bone disorders and an imbalance of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. We offer advanced treatments, including oral agents, injections, and infusions for conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease of the bone, and genetic conditions like XLH and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Bone Health and Disease Prevention

Many bone diseases develop slowly over time and may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. Taking steps to protect your bone health and manage bone conditions can help keep you moving throughout life.

Learn about bone health.

Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis: What's the Difference?

Two of the most common bone and joint conditions—osteoarthritis and osteoporosis—are often confused, even though they affect the body differently. So, what’s the difference? And how can you protect yourself from both?

Treatments for Bone Disease

Because bone disease can have so many causes, our specialists will use the most advanced diagnostic tools available to develop a complete understanding of your condition, its causes, and the path we’ll take to help you.

Your care team starts with a detailed health history and physical exam—looking at everything from bone mass changes and bone growth patterns to fracture risk and broken bone incidents.

Tests may include:

  • Bone density test (DEXA scan) is the most accurate way to measure bone strength and identify bone loss before fractures happen.
  • Imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) to view bone structure, detect tumors or fractures.
  • Blood and urine tests to assess metabolic or genetic contributors.

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

  • Medications, injections, or infusions to support bone mass and strength.
  • Lifestyle and dietary guidance to boost bone mass and reduce bone loss. Maintaining bone tissue through tailored nutrition and exercise is essential.
  • Coordinated care across specialties—endocrinology, orthopaedics, rheumatology, nephrology, genetics—to treat underlying causes.

Fitness Science Joint Program

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to maintain bone strength and reduce fracture risk. With our Fitness Science Joint Program, you can receive individualized exercise recommendations designed to improve bone health, strength, balance, and mobility.

Sign Up Now

What Sets Us Apart?

Patients choose URochester Medicine because we offer:

  • Comprehensive bone health evaluations
  • Bone density (DEXA) testing
  • Specialized care for osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
  • Personalized prevention strategies
  • Nutrition and exercise guidance
  • Coordinated care from multiple specialties
  • Access to the latest research and evidence-based treatments through our fully integrated academic health system

Whether you're focused on prevention or managing an existing bone condition, our team works with you to build a plan that supports lifelong bone health.

Providers

Our care team is here for you. Find a URochester Medicine expert and get care now.

View Providers

Locations

We serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

5 locations

Related Services & Conditions