Hairline fracture, also referred as stress fracture can be considered as type of fracture induced by fatigue resulting from persistent stress on a bone over a long time. It is different from normal fracture which occurs as a result of single hard impact on the bone. Stress fracture is a fatigue-induced fracture of the bone caused by repeated stress over time. Because of this mechanism, stress fractures are common overuse injuries in athletes. Stress fractures can be described as very small slivers or cracks in the bone; and are sometimes referred to as 'hairline fractures.'
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive abuse, or repeated application of stress to the bones—hence the name. Our feet, which hold all of our body weight, are under continuous stress every day, making them particularly susceptible to this type of injury. Stress fractures are sometimes described as small cracks or hairline fractures in the bone. Our muscles act as shock absorbers. When they are fatigued or overloaded, they cannot absorb the shock and stress of repeated impacts, and end up transferring the stress to nearby bones. Over time, the bones begin to weaken and become prone to fractures and cracks.
Athletes of all kinds are susceptible to this injury, but runners seem to be more prone than other groups. Women seem to be at greater risk of foot-stress fractures than men due to a condition called “the female athlete triad,” which is a combination of eating disorders, poor nutrition, and infrequent menstrual cycles.
This condition is known to thin the bones—a process called osteoporosis—and results in decreased bone density and increased risk of stress fractures in the feet. How Can I Tell I Have a Stress Fracture of the Foot? There are a few symptoms to watch for if you think you may have a stress fracture in your foot:. that develops gradually and becomes severe even during normal daily activities. Pain when applying weight. Pain that goes away after resting. Tenderness to the touch.
Occasional bruising. or outside You should be able to wiggle your toes and move your foot and ankle around with a stress fracture injury to the foot. Many people believe stress fractures immobilize sufferers, and when they are not immobilized, they fail to take the injury seriously enough to seek treatment. Many runners who have suffered stress fractures say they did not realize the seriousness of the problem until the pain was unbearable. They would run on their injured foot for months, or even years, before seeking medical attention. Many sufferers are fooled when their pain diminishes as they exercise, then returns once the exercise is over.
What Causes a Stress Fracture? Stress fractures are caused by repetitive impacts sustained over time, combined with fatigued muscles that become unable to absorb the stress and shock of each impact. But there are other factors, such as how often you exercise, how long you exercise, and your level of exercise intensity. All these affect how much stress you put on your lower leg muscles and feet. You do not have to be athletic to suffer a stress fracture in your foot. Older women are more susceptible to osteoporosis and other diseases that weaken bones. Even normal household activities can create stress fractures.
Other causes of stress fractures in the foot include:. Type of footwear.
Type of equipment you use to exercise. Type of surface you exercise on (concrete, grass, turf, wood, etc). Brittle bones., and, which may alter your gait, which in turn may alter the manner in which you apply stress to your foot with each step.
Female athletic triad. Rheumatoid arthritis. Insufficient rest periods. Continuing to train despite pain. Osteopenia/osteoporosis When Should I See a Doctor?
If you suspect you have a stress fracture in your foot or ankle, you should stop your activity and not apply pressure to the injured foot. Do not ignore the pain, especially if it is coupled with the symptoms listed above. If you try to walk on the foot or ignore the symptoms, you could break your foot completely.
Instead, apply an ice pack and elevate your foot above the level of your heart. If possible, take ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve the pain and swelling (this may not help at all if the injury is severe).
Be aware of the risks involved with taking an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen in a situation like this, as such drugs may inhibit bone healing. Call your doctor to make an appointment for a diagnosis. If the fracture is caught early, the damage may be minor and easily treated Diagnosing a Stress Fractured Foot – What You Should Expect at the Doctors If you think you have a stress-fractured foot, you need to see a podiatrist. Your doctor will ask you questions about your activities, dietary habits, medical history and anything else that may help him or her evaluate your risk of a stress fracture. He or she will also inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination.
To get a better understanding of what is happening inside your foot, imaging tests may be necessary. And scans can detect a stress fracture in its early stages. MRI scans are more sensitive than x-rays, which can only detect stress fractures after the healing process has begun. Stress Fracture of the Foot Treatment Options For You Most stress fractures happen to active people. Stress fractures need plenty of time and rest to heal. Healing is delayed and prevented by continued weight applied to the fracture during the healing process.
Your healing time will depend on the severity of the fracture, the location, your body’s ability to heal, and your dietary habits. Once the stress fracture heals and you are pain-free, you will slowly be able to resume your activities.
In most cases, recovery takes four to six weeks of rest and immobility. Crutches, walking boots, and casts are used to prevent a patient from putting weight on the injury. Patients are advised to keep weight off the foot at all times.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to ensure that the bones heal properly, and a wheelchair may be required. This could lengthen recovery time up to eight weeks or more, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment needed. TIP: Stress fractures in the foot tend to begin healing rather quickly, and symptoms diminish. This prompts some patients to resume normal activities too soon, before the stress fracture has actually healed.
![Hairline Hairline](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125387581/660072163.jpg)
This can result in delayed healing and could possibly worsen the problem. Always consult your doctor about changes in your condition, even improvements. How Can I Prevent Stress Fractures in the Foot? According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, the following list of guidelines should be used to prevent stress fractures in the foot:. Consume plenty of Vitamin D and calcium-rich foods to strengthen your bones. Use proper sports equipment.
Throw away old, worn-out shoes and socks. Only wear shoes that fit you properly and offer enough support. Alternate your activities.
For example, swim one day and run the next. Start new activities slowly.
For example, if you are not a runner, do not start a new running routine by going on a five mile jog. Instead, start with a quarter mile to a mile for the first week, and then build up. Do strength-training exercises to prevent muscle fatigue. If you are aging, talk with your doctor about preventing bone-density loss. If symptoms return, stop your activity and rest for two or three days. If symptoms persist, call your doctor Questions to Ask Your Doctor Here are some questions to ask your doctor if you have suffered a stress fracture in your foot:. Does their practice offer any type of custom-made?
If so, how quickly can those devices be made, and are they affordable or covered by insurance?. Can I use my dad’s old crutches that he left at my house to stay mobile?. I do not have a bathtub, only a stand up shower; will I still be able to bathe normally?. How much pressure can be applied to the foot when I am walking?. What are the chances of this injury recurring? You may have additional questions for your doctor. If possible, make a list before your first appointment.
To talk to a podiatrist via e-mail right now, visit the American Podiatric Medical Association’s web site at.
What is Fibula Stress Fracture? There are 2 bones in the lower leg, tibia and fibula. Fibula is an elongated bone located on the external side of the lower leg. The function of the fibula is transferring the weight from the shin to the foot. There are many muscles, which are attached to the fibula and when these muscles contract, they apply a pulling force on the bone. When there is too much weight bearing and excessive pressure to the fibula, it causes compressive force through the fibula resulting in damage to the bone.
If the damage continues or the force applied to the bone continues, then it leads to a fibula stress fracture. This stress fracture of the fibula can be a small fracture or a hairline crack in the fibula bone. Fibula fractures are not as common as tibial fractures, as the weight-bearing on fibula is less than tibia.
Twisting forces on the bone especially from the surrounding contracting muscles can cause fibula stress fracture. Prolonged weight-bearing as seen in running can also cause stress fracture of the fibula. Excessive pronation of the feet when running as seen in athletes. Increase or change in the training regime. Other contributing factors to a fibula stress fracture are: Incorrect foot mechanics, excessive training, ill-fitting footwear, stiffness in the joint, poor flexibility, muscle weakness, and improper balance.
Treatment of a Fibula Stress Fracture. Rest is the most important treatment for fibula stress fracture. Rest should be taken from training and sports till the pain subside and the fibula stress fracture is healed. Crutches can be used to avoid complete weight-bearing. The muscles of the lower leg should be stretched as a part of rehab during the recovery phase of fibula stress fracture.
A heat retainer or ankle support can be used to support the muscles of lower leg. for fibula stress fracture can be done to the muscles of lower leg, but it should be done by a professional only if the fractured fibula has healed. or other pain killers can be given to alleviate the pain associated with fibula stress fracture.
Patient should start a rehab program comprising of strengthening and stretching exercises in order to maintain flexibility, strength and balance. There should be a gradual return to training during the recovery phase of fibula stress fracture.