What Your Feet Can Tell You About Osteoporosis
Each May, National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month reminds us that bone health is essential at every age. While most people think of osteoporosis as a concern for the spine or hips, it’s easy to overlook the important role your feet and ankles play in detecting and managing this condition.
At Align Foot & Ankle, we often see patients with unexplained foot pain, stress fractures, or instability—many of whom are later diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. That’s because the feet are often the first place where weakened bone reveals itself.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become less dense and more fragile over time, increasing the risk of fractures. It develops silently, with no symptoms until a break or collapse occurs. In the foot, this can mean:
- Hairline or stress fractures that develop with routine walking
- Prolonged heel or midfoot pain that doesn’t respond to typical treatments
- Balance issues or gait changes due to weakening in the bones that support the arch and ankle
Osteoporosis most commonly affects postmenopausal women, but men and younger adults can also be at risk—especially if they have a family history, low body weight, poor calcium intake, or underlying medical conditions.
How Can a Foot and Ankle Doctor Detect Osteoporosis?
At Align Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth takes a preventive, whole-body approach to care. During an exam, she doesn’t just look at the painful area—she evaluates biomechanics, bone strength, and structural integrity to understand what’s really going on.
Here are just a few ways we help uncover hidden osteoporosis risk:
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays can sometimes reveal thinning bone, past fractures, or signs of disuse that may indicate bone weakening.
- Stress Fracture Identification: Stress fractures in the metatarsals (midfoot bones) or calcaneus (heel bone) are common in patients with undiagnosed osteoporosis.
- Balance and Gait Analysis: Subtle shifts in how you walk or stand may be due to weakened support structures in the foot and ankle.
If osteoporosis is suspected, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth works closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to ensure you receive a full work-up—including a bone density scan (DEXA scan) and lab tests to evaluate your metabolic health.
How We Support Bone Health at Align Foot & Ankle
While we can’t reverse osteoporosis, we can help patients protect their bones, prevent injuries, and maintain mobilitythrough a combination of advanced podiatric care and lifestyle recommendations.
Some of our in-office and collaborative treatments include:
- Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and support fragile areas
- Shock-absorbing footwear recommendations to minimize fracture risk
- Class IV laser to reduce inflammation and pain without medications
- Regenerative therapies to support healing after fracture or injury
- Nutritional guidance and supplement referrals (e.g., vitamin D, calcium, magnesium)
We also spend time educating our patients on fall prevention strategies, safe exercise, and warning signs to watch for—because one small fracture can lead to a cascade of complications if not caught early.
Why Awareness Matters
Osteoporosis is called the “silent disease” for a reason—most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. And while you may expect it to show up in the hip or wrist, your feet often tell the story first.
Early intervention makes all the difference. That’s why Dr. Ho-Ellsworth is passionate about listening to the subtle signs your feet might be giving you—and connecting them to your overall health.
If you’re experiencing chronic foot pain, unexplained fractures, or have risk factors for osteoporosis, it’s worth scheduling a comprehensive foot and ankle exam. Your feet could be the first to alert you to something more serious.
Let’s Protect Your Foundation
At Align Foot & Ankle, we’re not just focused on fixing problems—we’re committed to helping you stay strong, independent, and pain-free for the long haul.
Call or text (512) 882-4911 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth.
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