Osteoporosis Awareness

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, and the experts here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC are here to share some important facts about osteoporosis and your feet. Knowing how to prevent this disease will help to ensure your feet stay free of its debilitating effects.

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a loss bone density.  With osteoporosis, your bones become thin and more susceptible to fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2 million broken bones each year can be attributed to osteoporosis.

Who gets osteoporosis? This disease is often associated with a lack of calcium in the diet. As people pass the age of 50, especially women, their chances for osteoporosis increase. According to studies, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

What does osteoporosis do to my feet? Your feet are comprised of 28 bones each. That’s nearly 25% of your body’s bones! Since you’re on your feet daily, they can be one of the first bones to break due to osteoporosis.

Is there anything I can do to prevent osteoporosis? Yes! A healthy diet is a huge part of preventing this disease. Here are some good preventative tips you can follow:

• Get lots of calcium! Green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and bok choy contain a healthy dose of calcium, as well as milk and yogurt. Many milk alternatives, such as almond milk, soy milk, or cashew milk contain more calcium than their dairy counterparts.
• Couple calcium with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your bones absorb the much-needed calcium. Get juices or cereals that are fortified with vitamin D or take a supplement. Make sure you get out in the sun too!Stretch your feet. Exercising your feet can help to strengthen the muscles that support your bones.
• Talk to your podiatrist about specific osteoporosis risks for your diet and lifestyle.

Our podiatrist, Dr. David R. Sullivan, can help you diagnose osteoporosis. If you have a broken bone or a stress fracture that can’t be explained by injury, it could be osteoporosis. Using x-rays and measuring the calcium levels in your bones, Dr. Sullivan can help determine if you have osteoporosis and help you figure out the next proper steps. Our conveniently located office in Westfield is open Monday through Friday. Head to our website or give us a call to schedule an appointment today.