Stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is defined as a small crack or bruise in the bone. The fracture occurs as a result of repeated movement in a specific area leading to imbalance and fatigue. Also, a stress fracture can occur when a particular region of the body is used the wrong way even without a repeat of an action. The overloading of intensity is lower than the maximum bone strength. Stress fractures were first described by Breithaupt in Prussian soldiers in 1855, and thanks to technology the theory was proved.
Common stress fracture includes the second and third metatarsal fracture, jones fracture, hairline fracture ankle, the lower leg on the outer bone, the bone at the top of the foot (navicular) and stress fracture heel. Victims of stress fractures include athletes making 2% of the sports injuries, dancers and soldiers. If you are dealing with any broken foot pain, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet
Common causes of stress fractures
Extrinsic factors
These include movement, nutritional habits, type of ground, and equipment used. The sudden increase of intensive movements, such as in training and the wearing of footwear with poor impact absorption may cause injuries. The training track or ground should be of good quality, even, less rigid and regular. If an athlete’s fitness level is insufficient for functional technique the injury can happen even without repetitive actions.
Intrinsic factors
These include age, anatomical variations, ethnicity, muscle conditions, gender, and hormonal states. Stress fractures are more common in females because of nutrition, biochemical alterations nutrition, and anatomical alterations. A study conducted among athletes showed that stress fractures were high in white athletes compared to black athletes that were attributed to biomechanics and bone density
Other causes of the stress fracture
- Insufficient low bone mineral density.
- Error in training technique
- Problems that affect the striking of the foot on the ground such as blisters, tendonitis, and bunions.
- Osteoporosis and other diseases that weaken the bones.
- Low vitamin D levels.
- Mechanical reasons.
- Fatigue resulting in micro-fractures forming and accumulating in the bone trabeculae.
Early detection, symptoms
- Deep pain within the toe, ankle or foot.
- Swelling in the ankle or the top of the foot.
- III. Pain during an activity or after normal activity.
- Pain when performing a particular activity, the pain is relieved by rest.
- Weakness and minor pain can be felt where the break is located.
With the introduction of new activity and non-gradual increase in the intensity of the activity, stress fractures occur within 6-8 weeks. It is important that after repetitive physiological overloading, allow the bone tissue sufficient time to rest, remodel and adapt to the new conditions. Chronic stress fractures occur when there are overloading, repetitive movements, and inadequate resting time. If left untreated, it can lead to a full fracture. Bone repair in a stress fracture happens through bone remodeling, which is the re-absorption of injured cells and their replacement with new bone tissue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for treating all foot related stress fractures.
