About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis: a chronic condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. This silent disease often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, and a broken bone has the power to significantly impact your quality of life.
Even though almost any bone is susceptible to fracture, the bones in your feet are particularly vulnerable due to their constant use and pressure. Lisa Burson, DPM, Joe Aoun, DPM, and our team at The Foot & Ankle Specialists offer advanced care for foot fractures, and we’re here to help.
Here’s why osteoporosis increases your risk of foot fractures, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to get the care you need.
Your bones are made primarily of collagen, a protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineral that adds strength and hardness. Bones are naturally strong and slightly flexible.
When you have healthy bone density, your bones can support the weight of your body and withstand everyday stresses. But bone can deteriorate over time, and osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and mass.
Osteoporosis makes your bones porous and fragile. It occurs when you experience too much bone loss, your body makes too little bone, or both. Healthy bones are dense and have a honeycomb-like structure, but in osteoporosis, the spaces within the honeycomb become larger, weakening the structure of the bone.
Anyone can develop osteoporosis, and a few different factors can increase your risk.
If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team. You could be at risk of breaking a bone.
Osteoporosis makes your bones brittle and more likely to fracture from minor stresses that wouldn’t affect healthy bones. It can affect any bone in your body — and that includes the bones in your feet.
In fact, your foot bones are particularly prone to fracture when you have osteoporosis, because they bear the weight of your body and endure near-constant pressure. Even a simple misstep, minor fall, or overuse from walking or standing for long periods can lead to a fracture in a fragile foot bone.
That means if you have osteoporosis, it’s important to take your foot health seriously. Learning to recognize the signs of a foot fracture can help you get the care you need and avoid more serious complications.
Though it may seem like a broken bone would cause obvious pain, foot fractures can be challenging to identify, especially if the fracture is small. Look for common symptoms like:
If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule a podiatrist appointment. Dr. Burson, Dr. Aoun, and our team have the expertise you need to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan, so you can start feeling better.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage foot fractures effectively — especially if you have osteoporosis. We start with a comprehensive evaluation and use imaging techniques like X-rays or MRIs to accurately diagnose the extent and location of the fracture.
We review your medical history and develop a treatment plan accordingly, which may include immobilization with a cast or brace, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bone. We also discuss pain management strategies, like medication and therapeutic exercises to alleviate discomfort.
In addition to treating the fracture, we can provide guidance on improving your overall bone health. Osteoporosis can’t be cured, but taking a proactive approach to osteoporosis management helps lower your risk of future fractures. From dietary recommendations to lifestyle changes, we’re here to help you find ways to protect your bone health.
Having osteoporosis increases your risk of foot fractures, but by understanding the risks and taking steps to maintain bone health, you can reduce your risk of foot fractures and lead a more active, pain-free life.
Learn more with a consultation at The Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bay City, Caro, and Lapeer, Michigan. Contact the office nearest you, or request your appointment online today.
