{"id":10590,"date":"2019-09-08T04:56:35","date_gmt":"2019-09-08T04:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=10590"},"modified":"2021-06-29T16:06:25","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T16:06:25","slug":"15-common-causes-of-fibula-fracture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-common-causes-of-fibula-fracture\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Common Causes of Fibula Fracture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg.  It is in your calf whereas the tibia is the larger bone (and the most commonly broken leg bone) or shin bone.  It helps connect the ankle to the knee. It is vulnerable to fracture simply because of its location. Athlete\u2019s who run, jump or twist are especially at risk for fracturing their fibula.  Injury to your ankle or knee can cause the fibula to break. Unfortunately, there are also underlying medical conditions that can cause the bone to weaken and break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 8 different types of fractures, so treatment depends on the severity of the break.  If it\u2019s a clean or \u201cstable\u201d break, the leg could simply be put in a cast. If it is a compound or spiral fracture surgery may be necessary to set the bone correctly. In either case, fibula fractures need prompt medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the eight most common causes of fibula fractures that you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Hiking\/running <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stress fractures<\/a> of the fibula are an overuse injury.\u00a0 They don\u2019t happen all at once but develop over time through repetitive motion.\u00a0 Stress fractures are not the same as shin splints. They are more serious because they are actual fractures that will get worse if ignored.\u00a0 Casting or surgery isn\u2019t utilized with stress fractures. The best treatment is rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid running on concrete and use the proper shoes with good support to prevent stress fractures of the fibula.  Small cracks in the fibula develop because the surrounding muscles simply can\u2019t take the pressure. Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult because fibula fractures manifest themselves as a dull ache.  Stress fractures are different because there is no single incident (like a fall or accident) that causes the fracture. Volleyball players, ballet dancers and gymnasts are also at risk or any athlete that jumps and puts pressure on the lower leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low impact exercises are recommended for six to eight weeks. As well as a re-evaluation of your running or hiking habits and footwear choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Direct blow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of your health and choice of shoe, any bone will break if it is dealt a direct blow with a heavy object or force. Direct blows can happen in motor vehicle accidents<\/a>, being hit with a heavy object or being kicked or abused.\u00a0 Healthy bones don\u2019t break easily. A high energy force is necessary to cause a fracture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Athletes that play contact sports like soccer, American football or basketball are also at risk of being kicked accidentally with enough force to fracture the fibula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head-on car accidents are a major cause of lower leg injuries.  If another car collides with yours, the floorboards may be pushed up and in on your lower extremities.  It\u2019s a sudden violent motion that is forceful enough to break bones. If you\u2019re a victim of a vehicle collision seek immediate medical care as all systems in your body can be impacted by such a severe trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Jumping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bones <\/a>are strong and durable.\u00a0 However, as you age, they get harder and more brittle.\u00a0 Young people don\u2019t break their bones as often because their bones are more pliable.\u00a0 Jumping and landing on a hard surface or any sport that involves jumping can be dangerous to a person of any age.\u00a0 Fractures can happen at any time even if you have played that sport hundreds of times before. Conditioning and practice don\u2019t help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, soccer, ballet and gymnastics are all activities that can result in a broken fibula.  Remember that the fibula is the smaller bone in the lower leg and therefore more prone to breakage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than avoiding athletics, there really isn\u2019t any way to stop an accidental fracture from happening. Helmets can protect against head injury but there is no shoe that can prevent a broken bone.  As a matter of fact, a brace or shield can even impair performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Twisting\/torsion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Spiral fractures of the fibula are a serious condition requiring immediate first aid and professional medical attention.\u00a0 Why? Because a spiral fracture often causes a bone to splinter<\/a>. Surgery is necessary to reduce the fracture. Sometimes even screws and plates are needed to help join the fragments back together.\u00a0 Fibula fractures can also be open or compound fractures that break the skin, leaving the victim at risk for infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiral or torsion fractures are usually, but not always, a sports-related injury. This type of fracture can happen on the job if a hand is accidentally caught in machinery or as a result of a bicycle or motorcycle accident where the foot is caught and twisted.  All athletes are at risk; however, those participating in the winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and skating are at a higher risk for fracture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper boots and skates can help reduce the chance of breaking a bone, but even the most careful outdoor enthusiasts can hurt themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Falls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everybody who walks is at risk for a fall. You don\u2019t have to be employed or an athlete<\/a>.\u00a0 You can be a toddler or elderly. You can be doing maintenance on your home or you could just be walking down the stairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trips and falls are the second leading cause of accidents in the home. Unfortunately, these falls often result in a broken leg. To prevent this type of home accident it is wise to make sure that the home is free of clutter.  Limit the use of throw rugs and keep the staircase free of objects so you don\u2019t trip and fall. If using a ladder for any reason make sure it is sturdy and in good repair. Ask for help in keeping it steady if necessary. Mop up any spills quickly so no one slips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the winter, ice and snow can be a factor.  Keep all exterior walkways clear so visitors or family members don\u2019t fall. Use caution while walking or working around the house at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly, there is a long list of medications can make your bones weak.  This is why it is very important that both your doctor and your pharmacist know exactly which drugs you are taking.  You don\u2019t want to overload your system with prescriptions that make you vulnerable to fractures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen can affect bone density as well as steroids<\/a>, cancer drugs, antirejection medications, chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, epilepsy and heartburn drugs, antacids that contain aluminum, blood thinners, narcotics and opioids.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only do some of these medications hinder bone health, but they can also cause dizziness that leads to falls and broken bones. Some studies indicate that you need to be extra cautious when first taking a medication until you can determine if it makes you feel weak or unsteady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications can be very helpful and, at times, even lifesaving; however, they need to be carefully monitored by a medical professional so that they don\u2019t cause more problems than they solve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Underlying medical conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pathological fractures are fractures that occur due to an underlying medical condition. Osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone cancer and even Type 2 diabetes can make your fibula weak and at risk.  Don\u2019t ignore medical care if you have any of these conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Osteoporosis <\/a>is more common in older people.\u00a0 Females are more at risk than males, especially if they are fair-skinned with a small frame. Using tobacco products and drinking alcohol also contribute to osteoporosis.\u00a0 Bone density can be improved by weight-bearing exercises and a diet rich in calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple myelomas (cancer of the bone marrow) and osteosarcoma are two of the most common bone cancers. Osteosarcoma is when cancer inhibits the growth of healthy bones.  Males under the age of 25 are most at risk. Arthritis is basically inflammation of a joint. Over time, that inflammation can weaken the bone in the area of the affected joint (like the ankle) and cause the fibula to fracture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Physical Abuse<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Men, women and children can all be victims of domestic violence<\/a>.\u00a0 Physical abuse can lead to broken bones. If an abuser twists a foot or ankle, the fibula can fracture in a spiral pattern. Sharp blows or thrown objects can damage the lower leg and be pushed or thrown down steps can lead to a broken fibula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children and the elderly are especially at risk for injuries and fractures because they are defenseless against violence. Fractures to the arms and legs are very common in domestic violence victims.  The abuser feels that facial injuries would raise suspicion so they damage areas of the body that can be injured in everyday mishaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abuse victims may ignore a break or lie about the injury because they fear the abuser and don\u2019t want to involve law enforcement.  If the abuser is also the breadwinner, victims are afraid that they may lose their source of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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