Bones

Simple Fracture, Compound Fracture, Stress Fracture

Stress: A fracture of a bone caused by repeated (rather than sudden) mechanical stress.

Where do stress fractures occur?

Most stress fractures occur in the weightbearing bones of the lower leg and the foot. More than 50 percent of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg.

Studies have shown that athletes participating in tennis, track and field, gymnastics, and basketball

How are stress fractures treated?

The most important treatment is rest. Individuals need to rest from the activity that caused the stress fracture, and engage in a pain-free activity during the six to eight weeks it takes most stress fractures to heal.

If the activity that caused the stress fracture is resumed too quickly, larger, harder-to-heal stress fractures can develop. Re-injury also could lead to chronic problems where the stress fracture might never heal properly.

In addition to rest, shoe inserts or braces may be used to help these injuries heal.

Prevention

Here are some tips developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help prevent stress fractures:

• When participating in any new sports activity, set incremental goals. For example, do not immediately set out to run five miles a day; instead, gradually build up your mileage on a weekly basis.

• Cross-training -- alternating activities that accomplish the same fitness goals -- can help to prevent injuries like stress fractures. Instead of running every day to meet cardiovascular goals, run on even days and bike on odd days. Add some strength training and flexibility exercises to the mix for the most benefit.

• Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you incorporate calcium- and Vitamin D-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 orthopaedic surgeon.

• It is important to remember...