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Contents
  • Understanding Stress Fractures
  • Who Is at Risk?
  • Symptoms to Watch For

Can Stress Fractures Sneak Up on You?

Can Stress Fractures Sneak Up on You?

What's This About?

Did you know that bones can break from just doing the same activity over and over again? That's what stress fractures are all about.
Contents
  • Understanding Stress Fractures
  • Who Is at Risk?
  • Symptoms to Watch For

Understanding Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. They're different from regular breaks because they happen gradually, not all at once. Imagine bending a paper clip back and forth until it snaps—that's similar to how stress fractures occur in the bones.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can get a stress fracture, but athletes, military recruits, and people with low bone density are more prone. Surprisingly, even those with poor nutrition, like low calcium or vitamin D intake, are at higher risk. Women, especially those with menstrual irregularities, also have a higher chance of developing these fractures due to differences in bone density.
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse, developing gradually over time.

Symptoms to Watch For

Stress fractures often start with a dull ache that worsens with activity. The pain usually begins gradually and becomes more noticeable over time. If left unchecked, the pain can persist even when resting, and you might notice swelling or tenderness at the fracture site.

FAQs

What causes stress fractures?

Repetitive stress or overuse leads to stress fractures.

Who is most at risk?

Athletes, military recruits, and women are at higher risk.

What are common symptoms?

Gradual pain worsening with activity is a key symptom.

Can poor nutrition increase risk?

Yes, low calcium or vitamin D can increase risk.

Key Takeaways

Understanding your risk factors can help prevent stress fractures.
Talk to Doctronic to learn more about your risk for stress fractures.
Additional References
  1. Warden SJ, Burr DB, Brukner PD. Stress fractures: pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2006; 4:103.
  2. Boden BP, Osbahr DC. High-risk stress fractures: evaluation and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2000; 8:344.
  3. Rizzone KH, Ackerman KE, Roos KG, et al. The Epidemiology of Stress Fractures in Collegiate Student-Athletes, 2004-2005 Through 2013-2014 Academic Years. J Athl Train 2017; 52:966.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.