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Are You at Risk for a Midfoot Fracture? Key Factors to Consider
Published: Mar 01, 2024
Midfoot fractures, including those of the cuboid and cuneiform bones, can happen to anyone. But certain factors can increase your risk. Understanding these can help you take steps to protect your feet.
High-Impact Activities and Sports
Certain activities put more stress on the midfoot, increasing the risk of fracture. Ballet dancers are particularly prone to cuboid fractures due to the 'en pointe' position. Other high-risk activities include horseback riding, football, and rugby. These sports involve sudden changes in direction or landing from heights, which can put excessive force on the midfoot bones.
Occupational Hazards
Some occupations carry a higher risk of foot injuries, including midfoot fractures. Industrial workers, construction workers, and military personnel are often at increased risk due to the potential for heavy objects falling on the foot or from repetitive stress. Wearing proper protective footwear is crucial in these occupations.
Overuse and Training Errors
Stress fractures of the cuboid and cuneiform bones can occur in runners and other athletes who rapidly increase their training intensity or duration. This is often referred to as the 'too much, too soon' syndrome. Proper training progression and adequate rest between workouts are important for preventing these overuse injuries.
Anatomical and Medical Factors
Certain foot shapes or medical conditions can predispose individuals to midfoot fractures. High arches (pes cavus) can increase stress on the lateral column of the foot, potentially leading to cuboid fractures. Medical conditions that affect bone density, such as osteoporosis, can also increase the risk of fractures throughout the foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're relatively rare, but can have significant impact on mobility.
Good footwear can help, especially in high-risk activities or occupations.
Yes, foot shape and bone density can influence risk.
Proper stretching and warm-up can reduce risk, especially for athletes.
They can occur at any age, but patterns vary by type of fracture and activity.
Staying Informed
While you can't eliminate all risk, understanding these factors can help you take steps to protect your midfoot health.
References
- Court-Brown CM, Zinna S, Ekrol I. Classification and epidemiology of mid-foot fractures. The Foot 2006; 16:138.
- Ceroni D, De Rosa V, De Coulon G, Kaelin A. Cuboid nutcracker fracture due to horseback riding in children: case series and review of the literature. J Pediatr Orthop 2007; 27:557.
- Welck MJ, Hayes T, Pastides P, et al. Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. Injury 2015.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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