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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffParticipating in certain physical activities or having certain health conditions may put you or your child at increased risk of a broken leg.
Physical activities
Stress fractures are often the result of repetitive stress to the leg bones from physical activities, such as:
- Running
- Ballet dancing
- Basketball
- Marching
Contact sports, such as hockey and football, also may pose a risk of direct blows to the leg, which can result in a fracture.
Health conditions
Stress fractures are more common in people who have:
- Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
- Flat feet or high-arched feet
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
References
- Fields KB. Stress fractures of the tibia and fibula. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2011.
- Thighbone (femur) fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00364. Accessed May 19, 2011.
- Shinbone fractures. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00161. Accessed May 19, 2011.
- Fractures of the lower extremity: Shaft of the femur. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132633798-5/831634018/1584/388.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50054-4--cesec111_2919. Accessed May 19, 2011.
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