Who Is at Most Risk for Bone Fractures?

A bone fracture occurs simply when you break a bone. In many cases, the tissue surrounding the break in the bone is also damaged. Anyone can get a bone fracture, but there are certain factors that make some people more susceptible than others.

Poor Diet

• People who don't get enough calcium and Vtamin D in their diet will develop weaker bones. Consuming dairy products and eggs for breakfast can help get you the calcium and Vitamin D you need. Excessive alcohol use also increases your chances of breaking a bone.

Age

• As people get older, their bones become weaker and thinner, which increases their chances of breaking a bone when they fall.

Sex

• According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one out of every two women compared to one in four men age 50 and older will have a bone fracture related to osteoporosis (low bone mass disease) some time in their life.

Genetics

• Some people are simply more prone to having broken bones than others due to their genetics. If you have a family history of bone disease such as osteoporosis, you are more likely to get a broken bone.

Athletic Involvement

• One of the most common ways that people break bones is by participating in sports. If you compete in a high intensity sport such as football, rugby or soccer, you are more likely to get a fractured bone while participating in the sport.