According to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, physicians are seeing an increasing number of patients with stress fractures due to physical fitness activities. However, in some elderly patients stress fractures may be the result of weak bones. Below, Marla Ahlgrimm answers a few questions about what causes stress fractures and how a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent them.
Q: What are stress fractures?
Marla Ahlgrimm: A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. It’s a partial rather than a complete fracture.
Q: What causes stress fractures?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Stress fractures tend to develop from overuse and are among the most common sports-related injuries. Most stress fractures happen in the lower legs and feet, which bear a lot of weight.
Q: Can stress fractures occur in non-athletes?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Absolutely. Stress fractures are especially common in older women with osteoporosis. The weaker the bones, the greater the risk of stress fractures.
Q: What is the most common cause of osteoporosis in women?
Marla Ahlgrimm: In general, it's estrogen deficiency. Bone loss becomes more apparent after menopause, when women experience a quick drop in estrogen. Lack of calcium, smoking and a sedentary lifestyles are also to blame.
Q: How are stress fractures prevented?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Eat a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. This will help with strong and healthy bones. Wear proper running shoes. Old shoes lose their shock absorption and can lead to injury. Don’t ignore pain and swelling and rest for a few days until the pain goes away.
Q: What are the treatment options?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Stress fractures are often treated with rest and medications for pain. Sometimes surgery may be needed, however.