Exercise Your Way to Stronger Bones

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May is National Osteoporosis Month and at Texas Foot Specialists we want our patients to be informed about this condition and proactive in preserving and increasing bone strength. Patients with osteoporosis have porous, weak bones. Their bodies may not produce enough new bone, lose too much bone, or both. This condition affects over 54 million Americans, and it’s estimated that in people over the age of 50, one in two women and one in four men will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis.

One way that you can start—at any age—to build up bone mass is through exercise. Below are some tips on exercising for healthier bones.

  • Before starting any exercise program you should talk to your doctor. It’s beneficial to consult our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, as well. It’s difficult to exercise if you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain. The podiatrist can evaluate your foot health and make suggestions for accommodations to make exercise more comfortable if you have chronic issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions. Set up an appointment by contacting our Sugar Land 281-242-4448, Pasadena 281-991-0600, and Houston 713-664-6677 offices.

  • Check your shoes. If you haven’t worked out in a while, inspect your sneakers to make sure they still fit and are not showing signs of wear including holes or tears, worn down treads or stretched out heels, which could lead to injury. Invest in a good pair of supportive shoes that fit properly and are designed for the types of exercise you plan to do.

  • Choose a well-rounded program. Exercise that improves bone strength should promote good posture, strength, movement, flexibility and balance. You can find examples of exercises in each of these categories, at the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

  • If you’ve broken a bone recently, discuss specific exercises with your healthcare provider. Many patients don’t discover that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Your doctor can help evaluate your risk for this disease and may recommend a bone density test to confirm a diagnosis. If you do have low bone density, you’ll need to take special precautions to protect your spine when exercising.

If you have questions about bone strength and your feet, feel free to contact us.