Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of stress fractures include:

• Certain sports. Stress fractures are more common in people who engage in high-impact sports, such as track and field, basketball, tennis, dance or gymnastics.
• 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.