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

Published: Jan 24, 2024

Stress fractures can be silent until they cause significant pain, and knowing your risk factors can help you prevent them.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low fitness and poor diet increase risk.

Yes, due to hormonal differences in bone density.

Yes, ages 17-26 are most commonly affected.

Yes, certain foot types can increase risk.

Key Takeaways

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.

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References

Bennell KL, Brukner PD. Epidemiology and site specificity of stress fractures. Clin Sports Med 1997; 16:179.

Waterman BR, Gun B, Bader JO, et al. Epidemiology of Lower Extremity Stress Fractures in the United States Military. Mil Med 2016; 181:1308.

Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.