We headed straight to Yahoo! Health for this one. We typed "stress fracture" into the search field and received the following definition: A fracture is an injury that disrupts bone tissue. A stress fracture is a break in a bone, usually small, that develops because of repeated or prolonged forces against the bone. Next, we stopped by About.com's Sport Medicine section, which featured a "Stress Fracture of the Foot" page. The site explains that stress fractures occur when "muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb shock
and repeated impacts. Over time the fatigued muscle transfers this stress to the bone, resulting in a small crack (a stress fracture)." There are a number of causes for stress fractures, but repetitive activites (such as running) are usually the most likely culprit of stress fractures of the foot, ankle, tibia, or hip. The best treatment for a stress fracture is rest. An injured person should refrain from the activity that caused the stress fracture. Reinjuring a stress fracture could result in chronic problems to the injured area, so it's important to let the fracture heal completely. Steps can be taken to avoid stress fractures. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offers these tips on their Stress Fracture Fact Sheet: - Slowly increase any new sports activity. For example, do not immediately start running five miles a day; instead gradually build up your mileage on a weekly basis.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you incorporate calcium-rich foods in your meals.
- Use the proper equipment. Do not wear old or worn running shoes.
- If pain or swelling occurs, immediately stop the activity and rest for a few days. If continued pain persists, see an orthopedic surgeon.
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