Get the Facts on Osteoporosis

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At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know how important good bone health is to your feet. After all, there are 52 bones in your feet—that’s nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body. Since these bones are responsible for carrying the weight of your whole body, keeping them strong is particularly important. Osteoporosis is a disease that robs your bones of their strength. In recognition of National Osteoporosis Month, we’d like to offer our Manhattan patients some facts about this condition and steps you can take to keep your bones strong.

FACT: In adults over the age of 50, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone because of Osteoporosis. It’s a disease that affects over 54 million Americans.

FACT: In patients with Osteoporosis, the body may fail to produce enough bone or lose an excessive amount of bone or both.

FACT: Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Most patients who have this condition don’t discover it until they break a bone.

FACT: Certain factors that increase your risk for developing Osteoporosis. These include:

  • Family history of Osteoporosis or bone fractures.

  • Body type—women and men with small frames and bones with low body weight are more susceptible.

  • Several medical conditions can cause bone loss, including some autoimmune, gastrointestinal, hormonal, neurological, and blood disorders and some types of cancer. Patients who have had an organ transplant are also at higher risk for low bone density.

  • Taking certain medications.

Your doctor can help assess your risk for Osteoporosis.

FACT: There are many steps you can take to improve and maintain bone strength, such as:

  • Getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. If you’re not a dairy fan, investigate other foods that provide high amounts of calcium like leafy greens and canned salmon, look for foods that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D (such as breads and cereals), or consider a supplement.

  • Eating a nutritious diet packed with fruits and vegetables.

  • Maintaining a healthy weight.

  • Exercising regularly. Be sure to include various activities that help with movement, balance, posture, and strength.

  • Not smoking.

If you want to learn more about Osteoporosis and your risk, talk to our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia at your next appointment at our Upper West Side office (212-877-1002).

Bone Health, OsteoporosisGoldsmith PodiatryOsteoporosis, National Osteoporosis Month, bone fractures, foot and ankle health