1. A Fracture Is a Reason to Stress
Stress fracture is a term you might have heard often, but do you really know what it means? A stress fracture is a tiny crack or cracks in a bone that result from overuse and fatigue. They occur most often in the bones of the lower leg and foot. When the muscle surrounding the bone becomes fatigued and no longer adequately absorbs the shock resulting from jumping or running, the shock transfers to the bone. Unfortunately, bones don't operate as shock absorbers. Eventually, the bone will crack. This injury most commonly afflicts athletes such as basketball players, runners, tennis players and even dancers.
2. The Blame Game
Of course, not all athletes who jump and run get stress fractures. Factors may include overall conditioning, genetics, bone mineral density (BMD), intensity of activity you engage, and the structure of your foot. Even the type and condition of your shoes can bear blame in developing a stress fracture. And a bit of bad news for the ladies: women get stress fractures more than men. Bone mass, menstrual cycles, hormones and even less muscle mass than men all contribute to this.
3. Is There a Bone Doctor in the House?
Your doctor will likely start with X-rays of the injured area, but stress fractures can be difficult to ascertain on an X-ray, especially if you are seeking medical attention shortly after the onset of symptoms. A CT scan or MRI will obtain an adequate diagnosis. In some cases, a bone scan will also be needed. A proper physical examination and patient history is very important when it comes to diagnosing a stress fracture.
4. Fixing That Fracture
Even with the proper treatment, a stress fracture can often take six to twelve weeks to heal. Rest and ice are the most common treatments. A cast or splint for more serious stress fractures will help the bones heal faster. For recurring fractures, surgery becomes necessary. It's most important, though, to refrain from physical activity until the bone fully heals. Not doing so might lead to the fracture never healing correctly and causing chronic problems.
5. Just Say No to Stress Fractures
The good news is that there are ways you can prevent stress fractures. Make sure you are wearing proper footwear. Ease into physical activity; if you're running, for example, don't go for ten miles on your first day out. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities. Strength and conditioning training can also help prevent stress fractures. Engage in different activities to prevent repeatedly placing too much stress on the same body part. Wear insert or arch supports if needed. Most importantly, listen to your body. Stop doing what you're doing at the first signs of pain. Note any symptoms of a stress fracture and take care of the problem before it becomes worse.
