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Contents
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Gender and Age Influences
  • Non-Modifiable Factors

Are You at Risk for Stress Fractures? Find Out Now!

Are You at Risk for Stress Fractures? Find Out Now!

The Big Picture

Stress fractures can be silent until they cause significant pain, and knowing your risk factors can help you prevent them.
Contents
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Gender and Age Influences
  • Non-Modifiable Factors

Common Risk Factors

Factors such as prior stress fractures, low physical fitness, and sudden increases in activity can heighten your risk. A poor diet, especially low in calcium and vitamin D, can make bones more susceptible. Additionally, athletes with high training volumes or those using worn-out footwear are at greater risk.

Gender and Age Influences

Females are generally more prone to stress fractures due to hormonal differences affecting bone density. Menstrual irregularities further increase this risk. Age also plays a role, with individuals between 17 to 26 years being most commonly affected, likely due to higher activity levels.
Factors contributing to the risk of stress fractures include prior fractures, low fitness levels, dietary deficiencies, and hormonal influences.

Non-Modifiable Factors

Some risk factors, like being female or having a family history of osteoporosis, can't be changed. However, awareness of these can encourage proactive prevention strategies. Additionally, certain anatomical features, like flat feet, may predispose individuals to stress fractures.

FAQs

What increases stress fracture risk?

Low fitness and poor diet increase risk.

Are women more at risk?

Yes, due to hormonal differences in bone density.

Does age matter for stress fractures?

Yes, ages 17-26 are most commonly affected.

Can flat feet cause risk?

Yes, certain foot types can increase risk.

Wrapping Up

Identifying your risk factors can help you take preventative steps against stress fractures.
Get started by chatting with Doctronic to assess your risk factors today.
Additional References
  1. Bennell KL, Brukner PD. Epidemiology and site specificity of stress fractures. Clin Sports Med 1997; 16:179.
  2. Waterman BR, Gun B, Bader JO, et al. Epidemiology of Lower Extremity Stress Fractures in the United States Military. Mil Med 2016; 181:1308.
  3. Mountjoy M, Sundgot-Borgen J, Burke L, et al. The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad--Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Br J Sports Med 2014; 48:491.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.