Osteoporosis and you Feet

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.
While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.
Your feet are also at risk for osteoporosis. Broken bones in the feet are of special concern, as your feet bear the whole weight of your body. And misalignments in your feet can lead to pain in other parts of your body, especially the knees, hips, and back. If you know you are at risk for osteoporosis and are having foot pain, please seek treatment. This pain, along with any swelling or discoloration you may notice, can be a sign of a serious problem, like the beginning of a stress fracture. Acute trauma can also cause fractures. Please contact your podiatrist if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your feet.