Brittle Bone Disease or Osteoporosis is a disease that affects a large portion of men and women in the United States. Women are more likely to get the disease, especially after the age of 50. Men can also get the disease but are not as prone to it until around the age of 70. This disease causes a loss of bone density over time and makes the bones in the body weaker and more likely to break. If the bones weaken in the foot and ankle it can cause fractures, breaks, and other issues down the road and lead you to seek the help of a podiatrist.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

If your body does not have enough calcium or phosphate it will cause an imbalance that will lead to Brittle Bone Disease. Other things that can lead to it are:

• Reduced estrogen in women
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Chronic steroid use
• Eating disorders, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Drop in testosterone in men
• Bed confinement or lack of exercise
• Your body doesn’t absorb enough calcium on its own
• Your body pulls calcium and phosphate out of your bones for use elsewhere

How Do I know if I Have Osteoporosis?

A bone density test can easily inform you whether or not you have osteoporosis. Sometimes a simple x-ray can also do the trick. 

Treatments for Osteoporosis

• Diet change
• Increased exercise
• Take Vitamin D
• Eat more calcium
• Medications to help improve bone health

It is important to be sure that you are eating enough calcium and getting enough vitamin D in your diet to help prevent osteoporosis. If the bones in your body become weak and break down, especially in your feet, you will have a harder time moving, balancing, and living a healthy lifestyle. Do not wait until it’s too late and you fracture or even break your foot or ankle to find out. Call 718-624-7537 or make an appointment online today. Joseph A. Stuto, DPM and Joseph C. Stuto, DPM are conveniently located in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Stuto will work with you to get the testing you need to find out if you suffer from osteoporosis. Once a determination is made, he can help guide you in the next best steps to make you happier and healthier.