Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones. Our feet are the foundation that supports our bodies and allows us to move. When osteoporosis affects foot bones, it increases the risk of fractures or breaks. Known as the “silent disease,” you may not know you have osteoporosis until a bone breaks.
This in-depth guide explores foot osteoporosis, including the causes, symptoms and treatment.
What Is Osteoporosis of the Feet?
Osteoporosis (“porous bone”) is a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. Age or mineral deficiencies affect density, resulting in thinner bones. Over 10 million people have osteoporosis in the U.S. alone, with women making up 80% of that number. It is most common in people over 50 but can affect younger people.
The foot consists of 26 bones and 33 joints. It supports our body weight and absorbs the impact of movement. Osteoporosis in the feet makes bones fragile and prone to fractures or breaks.
Causes of Osteoporosis in Feet
Up until the age of 30, our bodies regenerate to replace lost bone density. This renewal cycle slows after 35. As bone breaks down, the body can’t rebuild fast enough to replace it and we lose bone mass. Osteoporosis accelerates the speed of mass loss.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential in building bone strength. A deficiency in either of these elements increases the risk of brittle bones. The recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D is:
- Ages 19 to 50: 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D.
- Ages 51 and over: 1,200 mg of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Men and women over 50 should take 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D.
Risk factors
Certain groups may have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis:
- Men or women aged over 50
- Women experiencing post-menopause
- Thinner people with less bone mass
- Smokers or those who use tobacco products
- People with a genetic history of osteoporosis
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions may also make osteoporosis more likely:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus increase bone turnover.
- Blood disorders or blood-affecting cancers such as myeloma accelerate bone reabsorption.
- Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, affect the hormone system.
Medications
Sometimes, the medication rather than the disease can weaken bones. These include:
- Corticosteroid medications treat inflammation in diseases like asthma or multiple sclerosis. Steroids speed up bone loss.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux may stop the body from absorbing calcium.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Lexapro treat depression. SSRIs can affect bone density.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and diet impact bone health. Factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis include:
- Insufficient calcium or vitamin D in your diet
- Exercising too little or not at all
- Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day
Symptoms of Foot Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” because it often presents no symptoms. There are clues to help you identify whether you may have osteoporosis in your feet:
- Pain or redness in the foot: If your foot feels painful or tender, it could be a sign of osteoporosis.
- Unexplained fracture or break: Weaker bones break more easily. A fracture or break with little cause may indicate brittle bones.
- Poor balance: You may feel unbalanced with reduced bone density. You might also fall for no reason.
- Foot swelling: A swollen foot with no identifiable cause is worth checking.
- Difficulty with movement: Fragile bones in the foot make it harder to stand or walk.
- Changes in foot structure: Be aware of deformities or changes to your foot’s anatomy.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis in Feet
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help to prevent osteoporosis. Here are some tips to keep your bones healthy and strong:
1. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
What you put into your body plays a role in its ability to build strong bones. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes calcium and vitamin D. Calcium-rich foods include:
- Almonds
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Beans
- Lentils
The best source of vitamin D is sunshine! You can also find it in:
- Red meat
- Egg yolks
- Mushrooms
- Oily fish such as salmon or mackerel
Other nutrients that contribute to bone health include magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and protein.
2. Get Enough Exercise
The health benefits of regular physical activity are well-documented. Activities where your feet support your weight improve bone density. Walk to the store, jog around the block or take up salsa dancing! Aim to get in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Whatever you do, ensure you have the right shoes to support your feet and reduce injury.
3. Take Bone-Building Supplements
Getting all the vitamins and minerals we need through diet alone is not always possible.Ask your health care practitioner about supplements containing calcium and vitamin D.
4. Go for Regular Bone Density Screenings
If you suspect you may have osteoporosis, it’s a good idea to go for a bone mineral density (BMD) test. This test measures the density and mineral content of your bones. The standard test method is a central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) scan. These scans can catch brittle bones earlier than standard X-rays.
5. Take Care of Your Foot Health
Your feet are the foundation that supports your body, so it’s crucial to look after your foot health. Wearing the right shoe helps support your feet and protect against injury. If you experience foot pain or injury, seek treatment from a health care provider. A reputable podiatrist can help with many foot complaints.
Treatment Options
If detected early, you can avoid surgery for foot osteoporosis complications. However, a fracture or break in the foot will need surgical intervention. Here are some treatment options:
- Custom orthotics: These custom-made shoe inserts support the foot arch. Prescription orthotics lessen the shock of the foot hitting the ground. The design distributes impact to alleviate the pressure on brittle foot bones.
- Exercise: Regular exercise improves bone and tissue strength. Specific activities help strengthen without placing stress on the bones. Examples include yoga, tai chi or Pilates. Walking is fantastic for foot health because it uses gravity to improve balance.
- Osteoporosis medications: Your health practitioner may prescribe hormone replacement therapies or bisphosphonate medication. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone reabsorption.
- Physical therapy: Foot osteoporosis can lead to decreased mobility or bone fractures. In this case, physical therapy can improve the quality of life. A physical therapist helps reduce pain, increase strength and promote mobility.
- Bone health supplements: Calcium, vitamin D and other minerals help strengthen weak bones. Your doctor may prescribe supplements to treat osteoporosis.
- Surgery: You may need orthopedic surgery for osteoporosis-related fractures or breaks. The surgeon repositions the bone fragments and sets them in place with pins.
How Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates Can Help Treat Foot Osteoporosis
If you have foot osteoporosis, the expert team of doctors at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can help. We offer complete services, from tailor-made orthotics to custom podiatry treatment plans. Our primary purpose is getting our southwest Washington patients back on their feet!
Let us help you put your best foot forward! Call Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates at 360-754-3338 to schedule an appointment.
