What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures are considered overuse injuries that occur when the muscles become worn out and less capable of absorbing shock from high-impact sports. The muscles are tired and eventually transfer the excess stress to the bone and finally cause cracks or fractures.
Suspension fractures usually occur in the second and third metatarsals of the foot. They are also common in the heel and in the navicular bone that is located on the top of the foot. Repeated force on the foot can damage those most important bones, including the bones of the leg, producing fractures. Approximately 50% of all stress fractures occur in the foot.
Common Causes of Stress Fracture
Research has shown that stress fractures occur more frequently in high-impact sports such as track and field, tennis, distance running gymnastics and basketball. . This is due to the frequent force of the foot hitting the ground.
The risk of a stress fracture increases with the intensity or level of exercise, the frequency of exercise, and the duration of high-impact activities. Other causes include using improper equipment, shoes that are not as flexible as the running system. Repetitive stress can also cause bone trauma.
Although stress fractures can affect people of any age, studies have shown that female-athletes are more prone to them. Orthopedic surgeons approach this because female athletes are at higher risk for other conditions, such as accommodations that also affect their bones and they weaken the muscles. Amenorrhea, or rare menstruation, and osteoporosis also reduce a woman’s bone mass and increase the risk of stress fractures.
Symptoms of Stress Fractures
A common complaint among stress fracture patients is pain that increases with activity. The pain comes gradually and increases with high protein activities. As the fracture worsens, the pain will increase even during normal daily activities. Often the tenderness at the fracture site may also include some swelling around the ankle or on the top of the foot. In some cases, this can happen with a concussion.
Treating Stress Fractures
The most important part of treating a stress fracture is to rest, especially from activities that may have caused the stress fracture. It usually takes six to eight weeks for a stress fracture to heal, so any high-impact or weight-bearing activity should be avoided for at least this period of time. Returning to these activities quickly makes it more difficult for a stress fracture to heal, and may even worsen the fracture to the point where it may never heal properly or at all. Along with the rest, wearing braces or other tools that fit in place of shoes can be helpful in healing stress fractures.
Stress fractures can be prevented through prevention goals that help to gradually build strength and endurance. Cross training is another great way to prevent stress fractures. In cross training, alternate activities that bring the same fitness goals help prevent not only stress fractures, but other high-impact injuries as well . It is also important to use proper equipment and maintain a healthy diet.
Sources
Juvenis, Warinus, and Richard Budynas. Roark Formulas for Stress and Strain. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Professional; 7th Edition, 2001.
Swindoll, Charles R. Straight Fractures. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1999.
Ellis, Joe, and Joe Henderson. Injury-Free Concussion: How to Avoid, Treat, and Recover from Dozens of Punishment Problems. New York, NY: Rodale Books, 1994.
Brukner, Peter, Kim Bennell, and Gordon Matheson. Strategic Fractures Champaign, IL: Human Momentum; 1st Edition, 1999.
