Osteoporosis and Foot Care: How Podiatry Supports Safety, Balance and Confidence

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you have likely received a lot of information very quickly. Bone density scans, medications, supplements, exercise advice, and strong warnings about falls.

What is often missing from these conversations is where podiatry fits into osteoporosis care and why your feet play such an important role in staying safe and confident.

Many people are told not to bend forward as much, not to twist suddenly, and to avoid movements that increase the risk of spinal injury. Yet everyday tasks like cutting toenails still require exactly those movements.

This is where podiatry becomes an important part of osteoporosis management.

Why People With Osteoporosis Are Advised Not to Bend Forward

Osteoporosis reduces bone density and strength, particularly in the spine. This makes certain movements higher risk, especially when they involve bending forward, reaching, or twisting.

When you bend forward to reach your feet, several risk factors occur at once:

• The spine flexes under load

• Balance shifts forward

• Muscles fatigue quickly

• Reaction time is reduced

For someone with osteoporosis, this increases the risk of spinal compression fractures, falls, and wrist or hip injuries if balance is lost.

Toenail cutting often requires sustained bending, reaching, and sometimes balancing on one leg. Even if it feels manageable, the risk is not always obvious until an injury occurs.

Safe Foot and Nail Care for People With Osteoporosis

One of the most practical ways podiatry supports people with osteoporosis is by removing the need for risky movements altogether.

At My Family Podiatry, foot and nail care is performed while you are seated comfortably, without bending forward or placing stress through your spine.

Podiatry care can help with:

• Toenail cutting and maintenance

• Thickened or difficult nails

• Ingrown toenails

• Callus and corns

• Skin cracks and pressure areas

For many patients, this is less about foot pain and more about safety, independence, and peace of mind.

Loss of Confidence Is One of the Biggest Challenges With Osteoporosis

One of the most common issues we see in people with osteoporosis is a gradual loss of confidence with everyday movement.

After diagnosis, or following a fall or near fall, many people begin to change how they move and what they are willing to do. This often includes avoiding certain tasks, walking less, and stopping activities they once enjoyed. Over time, many people also start leaving the house less, particularly if they feel unsteady or worried about uneven surfaces or busy environments.

This reduction in confidence can lead to increased anxiety around falling, social withdrawal, and a noticeable decline in quality of life. Simple outings can begin to feel stressful rather than enjoyable, and independence can slowly erode.

While being cautious is important, avoiding movement altogether can actually increase falls risk over time. Reduced activity leads to loss of strength, poorer balance, and decreased coordination.

Podiatry plays a role in helping people feel safe on their feet again by improving stability, addressing foot pain, and restoring confidence in everyday movement.

How Foot Stability and Balance Affect Falls Risk in Osteoporosis

Your feet are your base of support. If they are painful, unstable, or poorly supported, balance is affected before you are even aware of it.

In people with osteoporosis, we commonly see:

• Foot pain changing walking patterns

• Reduced ankle strength

• Difficulty on uneven surfaces

• Fear of slipping or tripping

A podiatry assessment looks at how your feet, ankles, legs, and posture work together when sitting, standing, and walking. Small changes to support and alignment can significantly improve stability and confidence.

Gentle Exercise and Movement Guidance for Osteoporosis

Exercise is important for bone health, but it needs to be appropriate and carefully progressed.

From a podiatry perspective, this usually focuses on:

• Strength and control rather than stretching

• Improving ankle and foot stability

• Balance-focused exercises

We do not encourage aggressive stretching programs. Instead, we focus on controlled movement that supports safety and confidence.

Working With Allied Health for Osteoporosis Care

Podiatry is often one part of a broader care team for people with osteoporosis.

At My Family Podiatry, we regularly work alongside:

• Exercise physiologists

• Physiotherapists

• GPs and medical specialists

Exercise physiologists can assist with safe strength programs, while physiotherapists may help with balance retraining and movement confidence. Our role is to assess lower limb function and help coordinate care so everything works together.

Footwear and Orthotics to Reduce Falls Risk

Footwear plays a major role in stability and falls prevention. Shoes that are worn out, overly soft, or poorly fitting can increase falls risk.

Podiatry care includes:

• Footwear advice focused on stability

• Guidance on shoe features that reduce falls risk

• Orthotic assessment where appropriate to improve support and control

The goal is safer, more confident movement in daily life.

When Should Someone With Osteoporosis See a Podiatrist?

You may benefit from podiatry care if you:

• Have been advised not to cut your own toenails

• Feel unsteady or anxious when walking

• Have foot pain affecting balance

• Have experienced a fall or near fall

• Want proactive support to remain independent

Many people include podiatry as part of their ongoing osteoporosis care.

How My Family Podiatry Helps People With Osteoporosis in Albany Creek

At My Family Podiatry, we support people with osteoporosis by:

• Providing safe, seated foot and nail care

• Reducing injury risk from everyday movements

• Assessing balance and lower limb stability

• Offering footwear and orthotic guidance

• Linking in with trusted allied health professionals

• Helping rebuild confidence with movement

If you have osteoporosis and would like to understand how podiatry fits into your care, contact My Family Podiatry on 07 3088 6116 or book online via the button below.

Osteoporosis and Podiatry FAQ

Can a podiatrist help someone with osteoporosis?

Yes. A podiatrist can provide safe foot and nail care, assess balance and stability, reduce falls risk, and support confidence with walking and daily activities.

Should people with osteoporosis cut their own toenails?

Often no. Bending forward to cut toenails can increase the risk of spinal injury or falls. Podiatry allows nail care to be done safely without risky movements.

How does podiatry reduce falls risk in osteoporosis?

By improving foot stability, addressing pain, advising on footwear, and assessing balance and lower limb function.

Can orthotics help with osteoporosis?

Orthotics may help improve foot support and balance, which can reduce instability and falls risk in some individuals.

When should I see a podiatrist if I have osteoporosis?

If you feel unsteady, have foot pain, have difficulty with nail care, or want a proactive approach to staying mobile and independent.