Healthy Bones, Healthy Feet

There are 26 bones in each of your feet. That’s approximately one-quarter of all the bones in your body. When you take steps to ensure bone health, you protect your foot health. Do you know what you can do to prevent osteoporosis, a dangerous and progressive bone disease? Here are some tips from our podiatrist, James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS:

• Nourish your bones through a healthy diet. Calcium is a mineral critical to bone health, and vitamin D is necessary for its absorption. You can find calcium in low-fat dairy foods, leafy green vegetables, and fish such as sardines and anchovies that are eaten with their bones intact. Vitamin D is most easily gotten naturally through sunlight, but that can be tricky for many people this time of year. If you’re not spending as much time outside as you might in warmer weather, talk to your doctor about supplements.

• Weight-bearing exercise promotes bone health. That doesn’t mean you have to start tossing barbells around like Mr. or Ms. Universe! Anything that requires you to support your body weight counts. Go for a walk or try a gentle yoga class.

• Quit smoking. Tobacco use decreases bone mass by interfering with calcium absorption.

• Limit your caffeine intake. A little bit does have health benefits, but too much can decrease the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

If you are worried about osteoporosis, or if you have any other concerns about the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, a visit to your podiatrist is in order. With years of specialized training and experience, your board-certified foot doctor is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat all illness and injuries of this part of your body. Schedule a convenient appointment in Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A.’s comfortable, modern office on Solomons Island Road today. Call our friendly staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to get started.