Bone mass in the calcaneus in patients with fibromyalgia

Objectives: To determine bone mineral density [BMD] of the calcaneus in pre menopausal women with fibromyalgia [FMS] as compared to age matched control s. Methods: We measured BMD of the calcaneus in 116 premenopausal women with F MS and made comparisons with 141 age matched controls. Additionally, muscle strength of the thigh was measured in patients with FMS. Results: Patients with FMS and controls were comparable regarding BMD and a ge, but the controls were slightly taller and had a lower body mass than th e patients with FMS. Calcaneus BMD per kg body mass was lower in patients w ith FMS compared to controls [P < 0.004]. There was no demonstrable correla tion between muscle strength of the thigh and BMD of the calcaneus. Conclusions: Patients with FMS maintain normal levels of bone mass in the c alcaneus despite a self-reported low level of physical activity. The patien ts with FMS were obese compared to the controls. This obesity increases the loading on the calcaneus and may preserve bone mass.