{"id":10901,"date":"2019-08-25T14:38:28","date_gmt":"2019-08-25T14:38:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=10901"},"modified":"2021-04-26T17:39:57","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T17:39:57","slug":"14-common-causes-of-stress-fracture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-causes-of-stress-fracture\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Stress Fracture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The words fracture probably brings to mind images of horribly broken bones, thick white cast, or some other horrible image. While any amount of blunt force or sustained pressure can cause a break, you can also fracture your bones in other ways. A stress fracture is no less painful or dangerous, though it is obtained in a more subtle manner. Stress fractures are caused by repetitive motions on or by a bone over time. These motions overwhelm the ability of the bone to repair itself in time to absorb the next round of motions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result is a fracture of the bone that can be either a hairline fracture or a total break. The most common areas that are affected by stress fractures are the shin, feet, pelvis, and thigh. Although stress fractures can happen to anyone, they are most often seen in athletes, healthcare workers, and military personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Overuse<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The single most primary cause of stress fractures is simple overuse. Repetitive actions are the cause of several bones and muscle ailments such as carpet tunnel and stress fractures<\/a>. Anytime you use a car engine or a keyboard too much, it will wear down and break. The same is true for your bones. Your body naturally repairs the damage that occurs on a daily basis, but certain constant actions prevent your body from properly healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is critical to give your hands, legs, fingers, and feet ample time to rest and repair themselves during the day and throughout the night. If you work on the computer, take breaks often to give your fingers and wrist rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work in a manual labor job, take enough breaks to allow the bones in your back and legs to repair themselves. Stress fractures are exceedingly common in professions that follow the same basic actions day in and day out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Osteoporosis<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Osteoporosis <\/a>causes the bones to become less dense, and although it can actually occur to almost everyone, regardless of age or sex. One of the fundamental problems with osteoporosis is that it usually isn\u2019t discovered until a bone is fractured or broken. When you have weak bones, even wearing the wrong footwear can result in a stress fracture. Calcium deficiency can also cause osteoporosis and osteopenia. Both of these diseases increase the risks of stress fractures and total bone breaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though stress fractures typically occur in those who take part in repeated activities, anyone suffering from a calcium deficiency is at risk of buckle fractures. Maintaining a proper and rich diet in calcium and nutrients regardless of age will help keep your bones strong and healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting your bones during activity or taking a supplement will ensure that your bones have a more realistic chance of healing to prevent stress fractures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Improper footwear<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your footwear has a lot to do with the health and safety of your legs, feet, and backbones. Shoes that have little to no support can put tremendous amounts of pressure on the toes and foot bones. High heels offer very little ankle support and also increase the amount of pressure placed on the spine<\/a>. Stiff and old Shoes are equally harmful to the health of your bones. Both types of footwear can lead to stress fractures in the lower extremities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who suffer from deformities of the foot such as bunions hammertoe are also at the risk of developing stress fractures. These types of deformities transform the way weight is distributed which can result in one or more stress fractures along the foot and lower leg. In many cases, stress fractures will occur in the toes and then on the other foot or leg bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Excessive training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are certain bones that are prone to suffering from stress fractures due to the sheer amount of use they experience. The feet, wrist, and ankles are just a few of the most general locations. Humans are practically always on their feet from the moment they learn to walk. Stress fractures are common in the foot and ankle for this reason. When a person takes up a new hobby, such as hiking, soccer or running, the chances of incurring a stress fracture increases exponentially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wrist and hands also see a lot of activity<\/a>, those who work in hands-on professions such are foodservice, bakery, and healthcare are more susceptible to stress fractures in these areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing over from a schedule of moderate activity to higher or enormous amounts of activity can also cause a stress fracture. For example, changing from a routine of lifting weights once a week to a daily lifting schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Improper bone alignment<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bone alignment is extremely important because it allows the weight of your body to be distributed evenly. Your skeletal system is a unit of tough bones that are able to move, jump and bend on command. When your bones are properly aligned, the weight from your body is counterbalanced evenly. This ensures that no one area has more or less weight than it can bear. If the bones lack alignment, not only is your whole body balance thrown off, some of your bones will have to endure more stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive and repetitive stress from improper bone alignment will result in one or more stress fractures. Improper bone alignment can be caused by various factors such as; an old injury, natural deformity, disease, or even simply poor posture<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes working with a physical therapist can help correct improper bone alignment and reduce stress fractures. In more serious cases, surgery is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Obesity<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Increasing percentages of the population are becoming obese as years go by. Along with the increase in obesity <\/a>is the increase in cases of stress fractures. Obesity is not only harmful to your heart and other vital organs, but it is also perilous for the health of your skeletal system. Being overweight places an enormous amount of pressure on your joints and bones. This pressure causes repeated instances of stress on your bones that are almost impossible to heal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic obesity is closely linked with stress factors due in part to the constant pressure on the bones. Obesity-related stress fractures are most often seen in the ankles, knees, femur and even in the hips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to reduce the stress on your body by maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. Obesity also results in a loss in muscle mass which increases the strain on all of your bones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Improper muscle alignment<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Muscle alignment is very important because it allows you to manage the weight <\/a>of your body with even distribution. You are also able to control the movement of your body. Your skeletal system is meant to hold your weight while your muscles are meant to control your movement. When your muscles are properly aligned, your movements are balanced and controlled. This ensures that you are able to control your movements and prevent injury to your bones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the muscles lack alignment, not only is your whole body balance thrown off, you will be adding stress to several if not all of your bones. Excessive and repetitive stress from improper muscle alignment can often result in stress fractures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improper muscle alignment can be caused by various issues such as; old injuries, natural deformities, disease, or even simply poor technique. Dedicated work with a physical therapist can help correct improper muscle alignment and reduce stress fractures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Corticosteroid use<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oral steroids have a detrimental effect on the health of your bones even with a single-use. Most oral steroids <\/a>are prescribed for people who are suffering from asthma. There are several other conditions that also use oral corticosteroids as a form of treatment. Even low dose oral corticosteroids increase the chances of developing a stress fracture by as much as 70%. Most medical professionals have always been aware of the increase in stress fractures caused by oral steroids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in the past doctors assumed the side effects would only affect long-term users. Although the short term and long term oral corticosteroids can cause stress fractures, once you cease taking them your side effects will vanish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing to take an oral corticosteroid, make sure that you speak with your doctor in regards to the risks. In some cases, alternative medications can be prescribed. Those who have underlying conditions that affect the bone are further advised to avoid oral corticosteroid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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