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OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis – literally “porous bone” - is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These fractures occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime. 

Of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture requires hospitalization and almost always requires major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. In fact, 67% of the deaths of women over the age of 60 are in some way related to hip fractures.  At six months after a hip fracture, only 15% of hip fracture patients can walk across a room unaided.

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.  The one-year mortality following a hip fracture is nearly twice as high for men as for women.    

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Kyphosis

Symptoms:

• Painless until a bone breaks
• Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height or stooped posture
• Sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse

Signs to look for:

• Being thin and/or having a small frame
• Fractures in key spots:  wrist, hip, spine

Possible Causes:

• Current low bone mass
• History of fracture in a first degree relative
• Being thin and/or having a small frame
• A family history of osteoporosis
• Estrogen deficiency
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
• Low testosterone levels in men

Goals:

• Address posture and balance issues
• Control motion of the feet
• Improve gait
• Make footwear for exercise comfortable

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, full steel shanks and rocker soles

• MBT physiological footwear where ambulation is still good

• For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs

• Stop wearing wear pumps and high heels

• Go barefoot on a minimal basis only

Other: 

Where leg length differences develop, use lift in shoe

Activities:

• Medical treatment

• Regular exercise program that promotes increased strength and circulation in lower extremities

• Regular stretching program for entire body

• Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming and bicycling (non-weight bearing)

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources  Image:  Text:  nof.org, G. Copeland, DPM, The Foot Book