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Stress fractures account for around 20%(1)of all sports medicine injuries, with runners who run more than 25 miles per week considered at high risk. Military personnel also frequently experience stress fractures as a result of the repetitive nature of military training. Stress fractures can make life a constant battle, leaving people completely uncomfortable. In this blog post, we briefly describe measures to overcome stress fractures.
Synopsis
About Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a type of bone fracture where a small crack develops in one of the bones. They are exactly what they sound like and occur when anything causes excessive stress on your bones. It is commonly referred to as overuse injuries by healthcare experts since they repeatedly occur in the same region of the body. The essential elements in the healing process include rest and activity modification. The line of treatment may vary, but early diagnosis is important to avoid further complications.
Types of Stress Fractures
Stress fractures typically harm the weight-bearing bones in the lower body. A person is most likely to have a stress fracture in:
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Lower leg (tibia, fibula)
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Foot (particularly the metatarsals, which link your ankle and heel to your toes)
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Calcaneus, or heel
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Lumbar spine (lower back)
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Hips
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Hands and wrists
Symptoms of Stress Fracture
The most typical symptoms of a hairline stress fracture are:
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Pain that appears and worsens during physical exertion
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Pain that persists after ceasing physical exertion
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Pain that becomes more noticeable as you rest
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Tenderness to even light touches on or around the damaged bone
Book an appointment with our best Orthopaedics Doctor in Broadway, Kolkata if these symptoms persist.
Causes of Stress Fracture
Stress fractures develop slowly over time due to repetitive motions. Like deep bone bruises, stress reactions cause inflammation on a bone's surface, leading to a crack and fracture. Over time, the bruise deepens into the bone, breaking it and causing stress fractures. We can avoid these by resting and modifying our activities.
Some of the most prevalent causes of stress fractures are:
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Excessive practice or training without adequate rest
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Starting a new sport or physical activity without enough training, supervision, or equipment
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Rapidly raising your activity level
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Changing the surface on which you train or work (for example, transitioning from indoor track to road jogging or starting a job that demands you to stand on a hard floor, such as concrete)
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Working or training without the appropriate equipment
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Specialising in one sport too early (children who play the same activity all year without taking a break between seasons are more likely to develop a stress fracture than children who participate in a variety of activities).
Risk Factors for Stress Fracture
Athletes playing high-stress sports like running, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and dance are more likely to develop stress fractures. Health conditions like osteoporosis, high-arch feet, flat feet, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and eating disorders can also increase the risk of developing stress fractures.
Treatment and Management
Stress fractures can be treated by the spine and orthopaedic specialists based on the location and severity of symptoms. Activity modification and rest are the main solutions to fix stress fractures. Common treatments include:
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Rest: Stop engaging in physical activity, particularly the sport or activity that caused the fracture.
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Icing: Apply an ice or cold pack to the injured bone. Wrap ice packs in a small towel to avoid direct contact with your skin. Your provider will advise you on how frequently and for how long you should ice your injury.
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Pain relievers: NSAIDs and acetaminophen can relieve pain and reduce swelling, but avoid taking them for more than 10 days without consulting your provider.
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Elevating the injury: Maintain the injured bone above the heart level, such as in a leg or foot, by propping it up with pillows or cushions while lying down.
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Compression: Wrapping or bandaging a compression bandage over the fracture helps to reduce swelling and blood flow to the fractured bone.
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Immobilisation: Wearing a cast, boot, or customised shoe may be necessary to support your injury and reduce the pressure you put on it.
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Crutches: Your provider may advise you to use crutches to relieve strain on your broken bone.
Conclusion
Stress fractures can happen to anyone who is physically active. As a result, athletic trainers and sports therapists must understand how injuries occur and how to manage them. If you or a loved one are having symptoms or have concerns about a stress fracture, do not delay. Schedule a consultation with our Orthopaedics Hospital in Broadway to map out your ideal treatment plan. At Manipal Hospitals, we acknowledge the importance of providing patients with information regarding their condition. Check out our blog page to receive the latest updates in the medical world.
FAQ's
To prevent stress fractures, you can: stop exercising immediately when you feel pain, warm up and cool down before activity, wear appropriate equipment, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, and visit a healthcare professional when you notice pain.
A stress fracture typically takes six to eight weeks to heal, requiring rest for at least a few weeks and potentially avoiding physical activities for a few months. It's crucial to stop activities that caused the fracture, as advised by your Spine and Orthopaedic specialist.
After a stress fracture, it's essential to rest for a few weeks and avoid physical activities for a few months. The bone is fragile and could break again. The fracture takes about six to eight weeks to heal. Stop activities that caused the fracture and consult your Spine and Orthopaedic Specialists for the duration needed for activity modification.
You will feel better as soon as stress on the injured bone is reduced and symptoms are treated. Don't resume physical activities until you are safe, as it may take weeks for the bone to heal, potentially worsening the fracture.
To schedule an appointment with Manipal Hospitals, contact our orthopaedic department or visit our website.
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