Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is a hairline fracture in the bone that is usually caused by overuse with the bodies inability to repair itself sufficiently. Stress fractures are often result of overtraining or over utilization of a specific bone.
Symptoms would include pain and swelling with redness. With early identification pain is usually located to a specific area. If overtraining continues and appropriate medical treatment is not sought the pain may become worse as the fracture may continue to develop into a complete fracture. This usually causes pain to become more intense and diffuse.
Causes of a stress fracture usually involves over training or over utilization of a bone in combination with inappropriate shoegear, biomechanical deformities, inadequate nutrition or osteoporosis, and improper training habits including: poor technique, inappropriate surfaces, lack of support, or ability to distribute weight.
When evaluated by your foot and ankle surgeon a thorough history and physical will be performed. X-rays are usually also taken on a serial basis. Initially if the injury is fairly acute or recent x-rays may not reveal the full extent of damage occurred. Serial x-rays performed over 2-3 week basis may provide better evidence of bone remodeling and healing as there is often a lag of x-rays ability to detect bone remodeling or healing.
Treatment of stress fractures often involves immobility of the affected area which may include a post op shoe, fracture boot or cast and crutch, knee-roller, or wheelchair use. If the fracture is allowed to progress to a complete fracture and becomes dislocated surgery may be necessary. If delayed bone healing is found after immobilization a bone stimulator may be recommended. Once healed your doctor will discuss long term preventative treatment so that gradual rehabilitation to full activity and potentially increased activity can be obtained.
Symptoms would include pain and swelling with redness. With early identification pain is usually located to a specific area. If overtraining continues and appropriate medical treatment is not sought the pain may become worse as the fracture may continue to develop into a complete fracture. This usually causes pain to become more intense and diffuse.
Causes of a stress fracture usually involves over training or over utilization of a bone in combination with inappropriate shoegear, biomechanical deformities, inadequate nutrition or osteoporosis, and improper training habits including: poor technique, inappropriate surfaces, lack of support, or ability to distribute weight.
When evaluated by your foot and ankle surgeon a thorough history and physical will be performed. X-rays are usually also taken on a serial basis. Initially if the injury is fairly acute or recent x-rays may not reveal the full extent of damage occurred. Serial x-rays performed over 2-3 week basis may provide better evidence of bone remodeling and healing as there is often a lag of x-rays ability to detect bone remodeling or healing.
Treatment of stress fractures often involves immobility of the affected area which may include a post op shoe, fracture boot or cast and crutch, knee-roller, or wheelchair use. If the fracture is allowed to progress to a complete fracture and becomes dislocated surgery may be necessary. If delayed bone healing is found after immobilization a bone stimulator may be recommended. Once healed your doctor will discuss long term preventative treatment so that gradual rehabilitation to full activity and potentially increased activity can be obtained.