Fractures are caused by various things, from falls to automotive accidents. Sports injuries, bone cancer, or bone diseases can also cause them. In addition to these direct causes, several underlying factors can contribute to an increased risk of Crown Point fractures.
Fracture diagnosis is based on an evaluation of the individual’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Imaging tests like X-rays may be used to confirm a fracture diagnosis.
When you visit your doctor for a fracture diagnosis, they will assess your injury and the underlying cause. For example, if you experienced trauma during a fall or accident, your doctor may order additional tests to ensure that there is no other damage. You may also need imaging studies to check for bone cancer or osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of fractures. These may include reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, and exercising regularly. Medications like bisphosphonates or calcitonin-salmon injections can be prescribed to help strengthen bones and prevent fracture recurrences.
Types of fractures
Some of the types of fractures include:
- Stress fractures: These are tiny cracks in the bone caused by overuse. Stress fractures can be found in athletes and people who do repeated activities like running, jumping, or walking long distances.
- Avulsion fractures: Commonly seen in young athletes, these are tears of the ligament that attach muscles to bones.
- Compression fractures: These are usually seen in people with weakened bones due to age or osteoporosis.
- Open fractures: Compound fractures occur when the bone breaks through the skin.
- Flexion fractures: These are caused by a sudden force that causes the bone to bend abnormally.
Causes of fractures
These are some of the causes:
- Trauma: When you experience a sudden impact or force, it can cause a fracture. This is the most common cause of fractures. Trauma-related causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and assaults.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens the bones and increases your risk of fractures. Women are especially at risk for osteoporotic fractures after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels.
- Bone tumors: With tumors, the bones become weak and more prone to fractures.
- Bone diseases: Certain bone diseases like Paget’s disease or osteogenesis imperfecta can weaken the bones and increase fracture risk.
- Metabolic disorders: The body cannot regulate calcium levels properly, weakening bones and fractures.
- Certain medications: Long-term medications like glucocorticoids can weaken the bones and increase fracture risk.
- Age: Bones naturally become weaker as you age, making them more prone to fractures. Elderly individuals are especially at risk for falls and related fractures.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Did you know that vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption and bone health? Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
The best way to prevent fractures is to practice healthy lifestyle habits and take precautions to reduce the risk. Ensure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D, and exercise throughout your life.
The treatment options for fractures will depend on the location and severity of your injury. The options may include rest, splinting, casting, surgery, or medications like bisphosphonates.
See your doctor at North Point Orthopaedics if you experience a bone injury and suspect a fracture.