Fracture Risk: What Increases It and How to Reduce It

When we talk about fracture risk, the likelihood of breaking a bone due to weakness, trauma, or underlying health issues. Also known as bone fragility, it’s not just something that happens to older people—it can affect anyone with low bone density, certain medications, or chronic conditions. Many assume fractures are just bad luck after a fall, but the truth is, your risk builds over years from things you can control—or ignore.

Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become porous and brittle. Also known as bone thinning, it’s the biggest driver of fracture risk in adults over 50. But it’s not the only one. Long-term use of corticosteroids, medications like prednisone used for inflammation and autoimmune diseases can strip calcium from bones. So can certain antidepressants, acid blockers, and even some diabetes drugs. And if you’re not getting enough vitamin D or calcium, your body can’t rebuild bone fast enough to keep up with natural wear.

It’s not just what’s inside your body—it’s what you do every day. Lack of movement weakens bones faster than you think. Sitting all day, skipping weight-bearing exercise, or having poor balance raises your chance of falling. And falls aren’t just accidents—they’re often preventable. Loose rugs, poor lighting, or even wearing slippers indoors can turn a simple trip into a broken hip. Even smoking and heavy drinking cut bone density by up to 30% over time.

Here’s the good news: fracture risk isn’t set in stone. Blood tests can catch low vitamin D or calcium early. Simple balance exercises like standing on one foot for 30 seconds reduce fall risk by nearly half. Strength training—even with light weights or resistance bands—builds bone density faster than supplements alone. And if you’re on long-term meds that affect bones, talking to your doctor about bone scans (DEXA) can catch problems before they turn into fractures.

Some people think if they’re young, fracture risk doesn’t matter. But bone health is a lifelong investment. The habits you build now—eating more dairy or leafy greens, walking daily, avoiding nicotine—pay off decades later. And if you’ve already had a fracture, your risk of another one jumps by 80% in the next year. That’s not bad luck. That’s a warning sign.

The posts below cover real cases and science-backed ways to cut fracture risk: from how certain drugs like SSRIs and NSAIDs might affect bones, to what actually works for bone density, how hydration and diuretics play a role, and why chronic inflammation can silently weaken your skeleton. You’ll find clear, no-fluff advice from people who’ve been there—not just theory, but what changed things in real life.