Osteoporosis of the feet is a disease that impacts your bones. Your feet have 26 bones, 25% of all your bones packed into a small yet crucial area. Issues with those bones impact every area of your life, so identifying and treating problems soon is critical.
In osteoporosis, the bones lose calcium faster than they absorb it. Calcium strengthens your bones, especially your feet, where most of your weight sits.
It’s not just a disease for those over 50. People are susceptible to osteoporosis at any point. Thankfully, if you catch it early enough, you can slow its progress and strengthen your bones again.
What Does Osteoporosis in the Feet Feel Like?
Osteoporosis causes weak bones, which you’ll feel in your feet more than other parts of your body because of how much weight and movement they have.
Some osteoporosis foot symptoms include:
- Brittle bones (Easily fracture or break your feet bones)
- Pain on the top of the foot
- Pain and redness in the foot
Be especially aware of foot injuries from everyday activities like walking, which normally shouldn’t cause enough strain for injury.
Osteoporosis and burning feet are not usually related since osteoporosis is often silent unless there’s an associated injury.
What Are the Signs of Osteoporosis Getting Worse?
The most reliable way to know if your osteoporosis is worsening is by seeing a doctor to check your bone density and diagnose your osteoporosis.
Some symptoms you might notice are an increase in the number of injuries. If the bones in your feet are fracturing easier and more often, that’s a sign your bones are becoming more brittle.
How Does Osteoporosis Affect Your Feet?
Your feet are often the first place that you notice osteoporosis. You’ll notice pain and an increase in injuries. Some other ways osteoporosis indirectly impacts your feet and health include:
- Poor balance
- More falls
- Pain when walking
Can osteoporosis cause swelling in feet? Typically, you won’t see swelling unless there’s an injury. However, some patients have reported swelling even without an injury.
What Should You Do If You Have Osteoporosis of the Foot and Ankle?
One study found that medics often overlook osteoporosis in men. For example, according to a recent news article, a doctor told one man that breaking his foot six times was psychological.
Osteoporosis is easily misdiagnosed by those not familiar with the symptoms. That’s why you should always go to someone specializing in joint and muscular pain. A rheumatologist specializes in osteoporosis pain and gets you the treatment you need sooner for a pain-free life.
How Can I Strengthen the Bones in My Feet?
Use these tips to strengthen your bones in the feet and prevent osteoporosis:
- Exercise regularly: Workout at least 30 minutes a day
- Focus on walking exercises to strengthen your feet: Park further from the office or store and walk instead of parking close
- Have a healthy diet: Eat more leafy greens
- Consume more calcium: Greek yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium
- Use medications and supplements: Take calcium and vitamin D or ask your doctor for recommendations
- Quit unhealthy habits: Smoking, unhealthy food, alcohol, and stress negatively impact your health
If you have a family history of osteoporosis, take medication that negatively impacts bone density, or have unhealthy habits, you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and should take extra care of the bones in your feet.
Osteoporosis in Feet Treatment
Whether you’re just starting to feel pain or you’ve had a half-dozen fractures, there are treatment options for you. You’re never too late to start focusing on your feet. Since you rely on your feet for so much mobility, you should take your pain seriously.
Southwest Florida Rheumatology offers comprehensive care and treatment plans customized to your unique case. We listen to your symptoms and never pass off your pain. Each patient deserves a life free of pain, and we help you find your path forward.
Our practice serves patients in three locations: Riverview, Sun City, and Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Call us today at 813-672-2243 to book an appointment with a caring rheumatologist to receive osteoporosis foot pain treatment.