Osteopenia/Osteoporosis and Foot Pain

Osteopenia/Osteoporosis and Foot Pain

Osteopenia has recently been in the news as Gwyneth Paltrow made her diagnosis public. Her injury involved her lower extremity, specifically her tibial plateau.

What is Osteopenia/Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition where the bone density is below normal, but not yet within the range of osteoporosis. Osteopenia is often considered a precursor to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weakening of your bones, and can increase your chance of sustaining a fractured bone. The progression of osteoporosis can often be slowed, but only when you check for the problem and initiate treatment. Here are some signs that you should be screened for osteoporosis. All women age 65 and older should consider having a bone density test. Just being a woman over the age of 65 places you in a category of individuals most likely to develop osteoporosis. Knowing your bone density before any problems arise can help you treat your condition, and hopefully avoid fractures.


Here in Naples Florida beach walking, golf, and tennis are only a few of the activities residents enjoy. Often times stress fractures are the first sign of bone weakness or osteopenia. Stress fractures of the foot are especially common. Your feet absorb impact with each step taken. Natural foot types also contribute to your risk of stress fractures, as different foot types distribute pressure differently across the foot. In the setting of osteopenia stress fractures may develop with simply everyday walking. Simple walking can create repetitive stress leading to hairline or stress fracture. Metatarsals are most commonly affected, especially the second metatarsal. Often times podiatrist initiate the work up for bone loss in the setting of stress fractures. Fortunately, for those patients who are diagnosed with osteopenia and who wish to remain active and pain free, treatment options are available to prevent stress fractures of the foot. Custom orthotics are the most effective option is preventing stress fractures of the feet with or without the diagnosis of osteopenia. Custom orthotics facilitate the redistribution of uneven pressure minimizing repetitive stress and/or trauma, and ultimately pain and injury. We Keep You Walking in Naples Florida.