Tibial Stress Fracture is there a Need for Vitamin D Supplementation? - Abstract
Treating vitamin D deficiency is of key importance in preventing stress fractures. The importance of nutrition in athletes is essential, especially in the female athlete. Both inadequate intake of calcium, vitamin D or inadequate caloric intake, are associated with reduced bone mass. Vitamin D deficiency leads to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, which further increases the risk of fragility fractures. The article describes numerous risk factors that also increase the risk of tibial stress fractures, with previous stress fracture consistently the strongest predictor of subsequent stress fractures in both sexes. Assessment and management of tibial stress fractures depends on whether the anterior or posterior cortex is involved. Rehabilitation and management options are discussed to help rehabilitate this complex pathology. Ongoing studies are encouraged to improve the knowledge, awareness and attitude towards vitamin D. There is a need for a public health initiative to reduce the risk of stress fractures.