Stress fractures are one of the worst injured you can ever have for an athlete. They take a long time to heal and once the injury has occurred, it is likely to happen again. They mostly happen in lower leg and feet but they can happen in the pelvis and femur as well. Pro Feet takes us through how to build better bones after a bone injury. This is also the main reason why we can get a stress fracture in Triathletes:
Factors that can increase your risk of stress fractures include:
- Running. Stress fractures are more common in people who engage in high-impact sports, such as running
- Increased activity. Stress fractures often occur in people who suddenly shift from a sedentary lifestyle to an active training regimen or who rapidly increase the intensity, duration or frequency of training sessions.
- Sex. Women, especially those who have abnormal or absent menstrual periods, are at higher risk of developing stress fractures.
- Foot problems. People who have flat feet or high, rigid arches are more likely to develop stress fractures. Worn footwear contributes to the problem.
- Weakened bones. Conditions such as osteoporosis can weaken your bones and make it easier for stress fractures to occur.
- Previous stress fractures. Having had one or more stress fractures puts you at higher risk of having more.
- Lack of nutrients. Eating disorders and lack of vitamin D and calcium can make bones more likely to develop stress fractures.