Since osteoporosis can progress without symptoms for many years, a stress fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis. A stress fracture which occurs, especially without a history of overuse, should be further evaluated. If there are risk factors present for osteoporosis (see table below) or other bone diseases, then a bone-density measurement should be obtained from your foot and ankle orthopaedist.
Risk factors for osteoporosis:
-- Female
-- Age (over 55)
-- Family history
-- Race (white, Asian)
-- Small skeletal frame
-- Low calcium diet
-- Sedentary lifestyle
-- Smoking and/or alcohol use
-- Estrogen deficiency
-- Exercise-related amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation)
-- Early menopause
-- History of previous fractures
-- Steroid use
What are some of the recommendations to help prevent osteoporosis and its consequences?
Dr. Pino suggests, "We should teach our children that our bones are like a savings account. If we eat right and exercise throughout our lives, we can slow down the natural osteoporosis that comes with aging and help prevent fractures as we get older. It is never too late to take care of our bones; exercise is key, but especially as we get older we should supplement this with calcium and in some cases other medications. The right combination is best discussed with your family physician."
Preventative measures include:
-- Adequate calcium in the diet. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 1200 mg per day for men and women over 50.
-- 400 - 1000 mg per day of Vitamin D
-- Regular program of moderate, regular exercise 3 to 4 times a week
-- Include weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing, treadmills and weight-lifting
-- Balance training, such as Tai Chi, yoga and the Feldenkrais Method
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