Did you know that nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body are found in your feet? While many of them may be tiny, they all play a critical role in carrying your body where you want to go and performing everyday activities. In recognition of National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, we at Feet First Foot Care Specialists want to offer patients information about this crippling disorder that affects bone strength.

Recognizing Bone Density Problems

About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis. Unfortunately, you can’t feel your bones getting weaker and many patients don’t get diagnosed with this condition until they break a bone. That’s one more reason why it’s important to not put off getting foot pain diagnosed. Stress fractures may only exhibit annoying pain and swelling that’s not constant. Anytime you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, it’s critical that you make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499 so that our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can examine your foot and determine if a fracture has occurred.

Assessing Your Risk

The foot doctor will also get a complete medical history from you and can help identify other risk factors for osteoporosis. In addition to being over the age of 50, these include:

• Excessive or extreme dieting in the past
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Certain diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, breast or prostate cancer, sickle cell or Parkinson’s disease to name a few
• Being very thin and having a small body type
• Post-menopausal
• Some medications, such as certain chemotherapy drugs, steroids, lithium, thyroid hormones and a few anti-seizure medications

Making Choices for Healthy Bones

Fortunately, there are many ways you can build stronger bones:

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Although milk and dairy products are the best- known sources, you can get calcium from other foods like canned fish, leafy greens and seeds. You can also try foods and beverages that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D and/or take a supplement to reach the desired daily intake.
• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise regularly. Giving your bones a regular workout keeps them strong. Choose muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing types of activities.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

If you have concerns about bone strength or are experiencing foot pain, contact us today.